Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I expect the figures I outlined to be true, regardless of what is being said on social media platforms or in other media outlets. If they are not correct, there is obviously an issue. I expect the numbers I outlined are factually correct, however.

We need to get an awful lot better at recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces in terms of how we manage people. That is why we have approval now to move ahead with the recruitment of a head of transformation and head of HR in the Defence Forces. Both of those positions are likely to be civilians who will bring outside expertise to work with the Chief of Staff, general staff and others within the Defence Forces to look at improving our recruitment and retention rates. We are planning for that.

To be fair, the Defence Forces have done a huge amount of work in planning for a dramatic increase in numbers for the years ahead as regards inductions, training programmes and so on. Let us not forget, we are seeking to add an extra 3,000 people to the Permanent Defence Force over the next six years, which means a net gain each year of 500 people. This year, we will probably have a net loss of a couple of hundred people in the Defence Forces. We need to turn the tide. There is a huge focus in the Defence Forces and Department of Defence on doing that across all specialties and ranks and among enlisted personnel.

The straight answer to the Deputy's question is that I am, of course, open to new ways of adding to the medical staff in the Defence Forces beyond direct entry and the normal induction and recruitment campaigns which we have.

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