Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I propose to circulate a table with the Official Report, which outlines the number of vacancies in the Permanent Defence Force by rank. The number of vacancies, by rank, is based on the employment control framework of 10,000 - all ranks - in the Permanent Defence Force, versus the strength of 8,885 as at 30 April 2012. This is the latest date for which figures are available. As the House is aware, the Government agreed that the strength of the Defences Forces by the end of the year would be maintained at 9,500. The recruitment process has already started. Competitions under the new fully competitive merit-based promotion schemes agreed for generals have taken place while competitions for officers and non-commissioned officers are ongoing.

As the Deputy will be aware a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces has been initiated resulting from the Government decision to maintain the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500. This reorganisation, which will prioritise front line service delivery, will have an impact on the number of vacancies in each rank. I have asked the Chief-of-Staff and the Secretary General of my Department to bring forward detailed reorganisation proposals for my consideration. Work is ongoing in this regard. The effect of the changes on promotion cannot be determined until the proposals are considered and decisions made. Promotions will be carried out within the resource envelope allocated to defence during the course of the year.

As the Deputy will be aware a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces has been initiated resulting from the Government decision to maintain the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500. This reorganisation, which will prioritise front line service delivery, will have an impact on the number of vacancies in each rank. I have asked the Chief-of-Staff and the Secretary General of my Department to bring forward detailed reorganisation proposals for my consideration. Work is ongoing in this regard. The effect of the changes on promotion cannot be determined until the proposals are considered and decisions made. Promotions will be carried out within the resource envelope allocated to defence during the course of the year.

Strength of the Permanent Defence Force, as at 30 April 2012 as compared with ECF figures

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