Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge what the Tánaiste has just said. He also referenced in his previous reply to Deputy Burke the importance of instigating cultural change and the whole issue of restructuring. Of course, that is required but I want to go back to the issue of retention. We were in the unenviable position last year of having to withdraw from a peacekeeping group. Part of the roadmap ahead in the context of this report and the action plan that came from it is that we will be able to honour our commitments to the EU battle group in 2024 and 2025. Is the Tánaiste confident that aim or target can be achieved?

In response to an earlier question I asked on retention, the Tánaiste said he spoke to Defence Forces personnel about improving the conversion rate of those applying to join the Defence Forces. He referenced the age limit increase but are there any other specific steps being taken to improve that conversion rate?

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