Mr. Se?n Clancy:

On that point, Senator Wilson asked specifically about its impact on recruitment and retention. I am not sure if I can comment on the recruitment impact, because it is very difficult to measure that. The only measure we could have on retention is the exit surveys we undertake. We do those online and one-to-one, but they are done on a voluntary basis. From the key takeaways and analysis of the exit surveys we have done, the pension issue has not arisen.

Central issues were job satisfaction, work-life balance, working conditions, the uncertainty of postings, allowances, such as the Naval Service allowance in particular, and just the pressures of work overall. They are the key elements that would have come through the exit surveys. Pension was not a factor that was engaged with.

The Youthreach training programme that was mentioned was a very positive programme. Most of our barracks, if not all, engage with a transition year, TY, programme. We have a specialised programme week and several barracks, including in the Air Corps, would run up to four or five of those in a given school year. Every barracks is encouraged to have a TY programme in place and that is the case. The Senator mentioned the initiative and we are already doing that. We also engage with Gaisce in trying to engage with that programme and we support Gaisce in terms of the President's awards. We support the adventure part of that engagement and when people go out to engage with it, we provide supports, facilities and logistics and we engage with that. We are engaging with youth insofar as is practicable but I am very open to any suggestions in this regard.

I take on board the suggestion with regard to the proud days in Athlone. I commend and congratulate the Senator's son who is now deploying overseas for his service. I am always proud of my service and of every man and woman who serves in the Defence Forces but it is days like this that really bring it home. It is days like today, when we look at what is going on off the south coast, that bring home what service actually means. I am very conscious of that. We did go outside the barracks for a period, for example, in the town of Athlone, in Limerick and in other areas. The Senator has flagged an idea in my head with regard to going to other locations outside of traditional barracks towns and installations. I would certainly take that on board also.