Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Department of Defence, in conjunction with the Defence Forces, raised recruitment and retention issues for certain specialists as part of its submission to the Public Service Pay Commission. This is specifically referenced by the commission in paragraph 6.13 of its report. Section 3 of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 provides that the Public Service Pay Commission be requested to complete a comprehensive examination of underlying difficulties in recruitment and retention in those sectors, as well as employment streams identified in the report.

It is an ongoing programme of human resources development within the defence organisation, part of which is aimed at ensuring an appropriate work-life balance. The Chief of Staff is actively addressing matters in the Defence Forces to this end. I have commenced several initiatives ranging from the review of the conciliation and arbitration scheme, a review of the criteria governing contracts for enlisted personnel and a comprehensive skills gap analysis across the defence organisation.

I have almost concluded the bringing forward of measures to allow former members of the Defence Forces with specialist skills, such as pilots and engineers, to re-enter the Defence Forces. I will be looking at extending that to former enlisted personnel.

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