Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My hope is that by the time this Dáil comes to a conclusion, the gap between induction and retirement will have been closed in the first instance and then hopefully there will be a net increase after that. I am concerned about the recruitment system within the Naval Service and Defence Forces and it needs to change. We brought in consultants from the private sector to examine recruitment processes and approaches. It is clear from the report that what we have is not optimal, to put it that way. We need to improve in this regard. The retirement initiative we recently introduced will help in terms of bridging the gap. The Deputy is correct regarding the 33 recruits who started yesterday. We are seeing progress. A specialist recruitment agency has been appointed with a view to recruiting specialists globally for certain key roles which are required within the Naval Service. Every effort is being made by the Naval Service, the Department and me to see what we can do to make sure that we increase the number of inductions and improve retention. The extension of the retirement age and the doubling of the patrol duty allowance will both play a significant role in this regard. We have moved on many fronts, as requested. Hopefully, that will result in an increase.

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