Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2022
487. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the engagement he has had with Department officials and Defence Force personnel regarding the 325 personnel who purchased their discharge from the defence forces to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54720/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that I have ongoing engagement with civil and military management on all matters affecting the Defence Forces, including staffing matters.
The military authorities have advised that, as at 30 September 2022, 243 Defence Force personnel had discharged by purchase. The Government has previously acknowledged the recruitment and retention difficulties in the Defence Forces which are presenting ongoing challenges. This is particularly the case for specialist positions as the current competitive jobs market is proving challenging for all sectors. The high standard of training provided to Defence Forces personnel makes them ever more attractive to private sector employers.
My focus is on bringing the strength of the Defence Forces to the numbers required to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
