Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I accept the Department has implemented some initiatives. They have not worked, and I am glad the Minister of State has recognised that. One constructive suggestion I have concerns something the British army does. It has changed its recruitment portal and the way in which the recruitment process works. I know many people who have applied to the Defence Forces and who received an email seeking to confirm their acceptance of their applications to the Defence Forces. A centralised portal is needed. The UK uses a buddy system whereby someone within the force works with the people as they apply. Many people are just waiting for an email signalling acceptance or whether the application has been successful. A centralised portal would help facilitate increased recruitment or give people certainty regarding their applications. The Defence Forces should not use email as a means to determine whether someone has been successful in his or her application. The technology for the recruitment process needs to be modernised in order that there is greater certainty for potential applicants, and the Minister of State should examine what is done in the UK. It has helped many applicants. I know Irish people who have applied to the British army and say it is a much better system of recruitment.

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