Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 45, 51, 53 and 58 together.

As of 30 May 2018, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force was 9,010 personnel – whole-time equivalents – of which 589 were females. Given the unique and demanding nature of military life, there is understandably a relatively high level of turnover among Defence Forces personnel. This is not new and the Permanent Defence Force has always had a level of turnover that far exceeds other areas of the public service. This is a feature of military organisations internationally as well as in the Defence Forces.

The overall numbers departing the Permanent Defence Force in recent years are broadly consistent with the long-term trend, with some exceptions. As the Deputy will be aware, under my direction the Department brought the issue of recruitment and retention of certain specialists to the attention of the Public Service Pay Commission. Initial data have been submitted and further data and information on the defence sector will be forwarded in the coming weeks.

To address vacancies in specialist positions, I have initiated a full range of actions, including developing proposals for the re-entry of suitably qualified former members of the Permanent Defence Force to fill appointments and for expanding direct entry for suitable posts. Work on these matters is ongoing.

The White Paper on Defence recognises that continuous recruitment is the lifeblood of the Defence Forces. The recruitment plan proposed by the Defence Forces envisages 800 new entrants being inducted across all services and competition streams in 2018.

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Similar to other areas in the public service, the Defence Forces must compete with the private sector for applicants. It is too early at this juncture to give precise targets for recruitment in 2019 but I expect them to be broadly in line with this year.

The pay of the Defence Forces is increasing in accordance with public sector pay agreements. The pay of a newly qualified three-star private has increased by 25% in the past 12 months. At €27,257, it is favourable when compared with entry rates across the public service. The starting rate for newly qualified officers is €35,000 and for new graduate officers in excess of €40,000. These amounts are inclusive of military service allowance. This compares favourably with the average starting pay for graduates across other sectors of employment.

The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces, as well as the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activity. This is underlined by a commitment in the programme for Government to increase the level of female participation in the Defence Forces.

Several specific initiatives have been implemented to increase the level of female participation in the Defence Forces. These include targeting of female persons in online recruitment campaigns, the adjustment of physical standards for female applicants etc. Over the lifetime of the White Paper, further projects will be progressed to ensure increased female participation in the Defence Forces continues.

I remain committed to ensuring the Defence Forces retain the capacity to operate effectively across all roles required of them by Government at home and overseas.

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