Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 14 together.

As of 31 December 2018, which is the date for which the latest figures are available, the whole time equivalent strength of the PDF stood at just under 9,000 personnel.

There are significant career opportunities available at both enlisted and officer level for eligible individuals who wish to have a rewarding and positive career in service to the State. The Permanent Defence Forces continue to offer excellent opportunities for serving personnel and for new entrants.

In order to return to the agreed strength of 9,500 Permanent Defence Forces personnel, recruitment continued throughout 2018. This encompassed two general service recruit competitions, and competitions for cadets, apprentices and instrumentalists along with other intake from direct entry streams. This has resulted in over 611 personnel inducted in 2018. This figure does not include the 15 members of the PDF who were awarded a cadetship last year.

Recently, I met senior civil and military officials to review recruitment plans for 2019 and I can confirm that, subject to further consideration, similar recruitment competitions to those held in 2018 will take place in 2019. At this point it is not possible to predict the precise numbers that will be recruited but it is anticipated that this will be in the region of some 800 personnel. The military authorities have advised that targeted media campaigns using social and traditional media, cinema and print will continue to form important elements of their recruitment drive. A variety of recruitment initiatives will also be undertaken throughout the year, including outreach events at local and national level. Additionally, the Defence Forces will accept general service recruitment applications outside of the two normal competition periods.

Some specialist posts such as pilots, air traffic controllers and certain technicians are presenting challenges for recruitment and retention. I have previously acknowledged this fact, which is reflective of the current economic circumstances and attractive job opportunities in the private and commercial semi-State sectors. The level of training and experience gained by members of the Defence Forces makes them very attractive to private sector employers. The Defence Forces are not unique in this regard and this is experienced by other parts of the public service and by other military organisations internationally. A range of alternative recruitment approaches are being developed, aimed at addressing such vacancies in specialist areas.

A scheme has been introduced that 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 for the recruitment of medical officers and engineers. A working group is examining the scope for greater use of such direct entry recruitment for certain specialist positions.

The Public Service Pay Commission is examining the issue of the recruitment and retention of specialist personnel within the Defence Forces. When the commission reports, its findings will be considered at that point. The Government is committed to retaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government, both at home and overseas.

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