James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I hear Senator O'Reilly's concerns. I again thank him for raising this important matter. I know the Defence Forces are very important to him and I assure him that the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence shares those concerns. That is why he has implemented the regeneration plan, which he intends to advance as quickly as possible.

The ongoing staffing challenges in the Defence Forces with regard to recruitment and retention are fully acknowledged and well documented. In this, however, we are no different from other international military forces which, in a competitive labour market, are also experiencing similar difficulties. I reiterate that the immediate focus for the Tánaiste, as Minister for Defence, is on stabilising the numbers of personnel and facilitating capacity for further increases. In light of the CoDF report and the report of the independent review group, IRG, a significant programme of reform and culture change within the Defence Forces has been prioritised to ensure that it is an equal opportunities employer, reflective of contemporary Irish society and providing a workplace underpinned by dignity, equality and mutual respect.

The strategic framework for the transformation of the Defence Forces, which was published in September 2024 by the Tánaiste, sets out clear targets for the vital work that is under way relating to the transformation of the Defence Forces. The targets are important to drive the reform sought by the Senator.

The RDF has a significant role to play in that transformation. The development of a regeneration plan for the Reserve is a key step in this endeavour. I assure the Senator that the recruitment and retention of Defence Forces personnel continues to be a key priority for the Tánaiste, just as it is for the Senator.