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Defence Forces

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022

Tuesday, 28 June 2022

Ceisteanna (90)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

90. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the recruitment options that he is considering to attract more individuals towards joining the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33668/22]

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Freagraí scríofa

I have previously acknowledged the staffing challenges in the Defence Forces, both in specialist and general roles, and a range of measures are being implemented to tackle these.

In this regard, I recently launched the new Defence Forces recruitment rebrand ‘Be More with the Irish Defence Forces’. The new marketing strategy aligns the desire to continuously improve and learn new skills with ensuring long term career advancement, by demonstrating the opportunities and skills a career in the Defence Forces offers. 

The Defence Forces continue to engage with the education sector through career talks in schools, regularly participating in virtual career discussions through career guidance websites, and hosting 'Question and Answer' sessions on social media channels with the desired demographic. Transition year students can avail of placements within the Defence Forces to undertake various programmes demonstrating career opportunities, also serving to raise awareness of the requirements of a career in the military.

Additionally, recruitment teams frequently attend recruitment and career fairs/events to promote career opportunities within each Branch of the Organisation and, to date in 2022, have attended 22 such events.The attractiveness of a career in the Defence Forces is emphasised at such events including the opportunity for continuous upskilling and availing of third level education. A recently developed infographic on the benefits of a career in the Defence Forces, also highlights this point. 

The Defence Forces have also engaged a marketing and media partner to assist with recruitment advertising to ensure engagement with the recruitment demographic across social media and other media platforms. Advertising for specialist recruitment by direct entry is placed in industry specific publications and websites. In the past few years the scope for direct entry has expanded and total of 12 direct entry competitions are being utilised in 2022. 

My focus is on restoring all Branches of the Defence Forces to full strength, facilitated by ongoing staffing initiatives and the promotion of careers within the organisation. Furthermore, consideration of the recommendations of the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces is ongoing. I intend to revert shortly to Government with a proposed response to those recommendations and a high-level action plan, which will set out proposed timelines and oversight arrangements for its implementation.

Staffing Challenges in Defence Forces

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