Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government remains committed to achieving the strength target of at least 9,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, as set out in the 2015 White Paper on Defence. There are a number of factors, some of which are hard to predict, which will impact on the timeframe within which this will be achieved.

Recruitment has continued in 2018, with the running of two general service recruit competitions, a cadet competition, apprentice competitions, an instrumentalist competition and direct entry streams. They have resulted in more than 600 personnel being inducted to date in 2018. The most recent figures, provided by the military authorities, give the whole-time equivalent strength of the Permanent Defence Force as just below 9,000 personnel. Further inductions are scheduled in November and final figures for the numbers inducted in 2018 and strength will not be available until the end of the year. Progress in recruitment will be reviewed in the coming weeks and inform future plans.

As I have outlined previously, there are particular challenges in recruiting and retaining certain specialists such as pilots, air traffic controllers and certain technicians. These specialists can prove difficult to retain where, as in current economic circumstances, there are ongoing lucrative private and commercial public sector job opportunities. I understand the retention of such specialists has proved challenging for many military forces internationally and is not unique to Ireland. A range of alternative recruitment approaches are being developed, aimed at addressing vacancies in specialist areas. My Department has introduced a scheme which permits former officers with specialist skills to re-enter the Permanent Defence Force and arrangements are in train to provide a similar scheme for former enlisted personnel. Currently, there is direct entry provision for those with professional qualifications which is utilised in the recruitment of medical officers and engineers. A working group is examining the scope for greater use of such direct entry recruitment to fill certain specialist positions.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Public Service Pay Commission has been tasked with examining recruitment and retention issues in the defence sector and requested material has been forwarded to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. When the Public Service Pay Commissions reports, its findings will be considered.

The Permanent Defence Force continues to offer excellent career opportunities for serving personnel and new entrants. Ensuring the terms and conditions of serving members of the Permanent Defence Force are fair and balanced is also a key consideration.

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There are a range of actions outlined in the 2015 White Paper on Defence which are aimed at advancing this goal. The criteria for extending service beyond 12 years have been revised and an examination of contracts for enlisted personnel has been prioritised. A gap analysis of skill sets in the Permanent Defence Force has also been brought forward. In addition, the military authorities have introduced further initiatives to enhance work-life balance, which is also to be welcomed.

The Government is committed to retaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and undertake the tasks laid down by it, both at home and overseas.

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