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

It is acknowledged we have to significantly improve recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces. We have taken many decisions to facilitate that, not least the big recent decision to extend the retirement age to 60. That will be followed up with legislation to extend it to 62 and to improve the date at which people can apply, and raise that threshold also. There are various allowances and there has been a significant improvement in starting pay for members of the Defence Forces.

It is a very comprehensive agenda ahead of us in terms of the commission. We do accept the commission's report and the Government has announced the priorities. We have a detailed implementation plan with timelines against each recommendation that the Government has accepted. One of those is the establishment of an Army force design team with a colonel rank in the lead. With initial supporting staff appointed, it is tasked to progress post phase 1 planning in respect of the structures of the Army. That was identified as an early action in the high-level action plan. We have to let the team do its work, which I will assess that when I get the team's report.

I hear very strongly what the Deputy says about the geographic location of Custume Barracks and its history and tradition in facilitating further recruitment, as well as the various installations in the barracks and the activities that take place there. It is key with regard to deployment domestically and overseas.

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