Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 March 2022
28. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel in the Naval Service on 31 December 2017, 31 December 2018, 31 December 2019, 31 December 2020 and 28 February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13198/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe strength of the Naval Service from 2017 to 2020 is as follows:
|
Year |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
Total WTE Strength |
1,053 |
989 |
936 |
903 |
As at 31 January 2022, the latest date for which such data is available, the strength of the Naval Service was 869 personnel.
The government has acknowledged there are ongoing challenges in the Naval Service and, in that context, a number of initiatives are being implemented to counter current staffing challenges and these will play a role in restoring and retaining capacity. These include:
- A Naval Service seagoing commitment scheme
- A special tax credit for seagoing Naval Service personnel
- A re-entry scheme for former personnel
- Ongoing recruitment, including direct entry competitions
- The ongoing review of the scope, and terms and conditions, of direct entry competitions to improve intakes
- Significant progress on pay within the Defence Forces arising from the Public Service Pay Commission recommendations and increases from recent pay agreements
In additon, following consideration by a high-level civil military group, a range of recommendations on the regeneration of the Naval Service are also being progressed.
Further, the work of the Commission on the Defence Forces included consideration of recruitment and retention matters. The Commission’s report was published on the 9 February 2022. The next stage in the process will involve careful consideration of the recommendations and inter-departmental and stakeholder consultation. On completion of this process, I intend to bring a proposed response to the report’s recommendations and a high-level action plan to the Government for consideration.
