I propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 253, 259, 260, 261 and 262 together.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by government, including overseas deployments.
The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020 provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects which will be progressed over five years to ensure that the Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their roles both at home and overseas.
I can assure the Deputy that the manpower requirement of the Defence Forces continues to be monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services to ensure they maintain their operational capability. As at 31st January 2022, the current strength of the Defence Forces is 8,467 comprised of 6,848 Army personnel, 750 Air Corps personnel, and 869 Naval Service personnel.
The Government remains committed to returning to, and maintaining, the agreed strength of 9,500 and, in that context, a number of initiatives are being implemented to counter current staffing challenges that will play a role in restoring and retaining capacity. These include:
- Commitment schemes in the Air Corps and Naval Service
- 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 addition, 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, inter alia, consideration of appropriate military equipment capabilities, staffing and morale. The commission’s report was published on 9 February 2022. The next stage in the process will involve careful consideration of the recommendations and inter-departmental consultation. Once all recommendations have been carefully considered and an approach discussed, I intend to bring a proposed response to the report’s recommendations and a high-level action plan to Government for consideration. It is envisaged that this process will take at least four to five months.