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

Just to return to the figures, as of 30 September, 494 personnel had been inducted in 2024 and the latest advice is that it is planned to have a further 250 inducted this year. That is nearly 750 personnel, which would be the highest number of inductions for some time. That indicates we are beginning to turn the corner in respect of the issue of recruitment and retention and the gap between net loss on an ongoing basis. We might arrest that this year which would be a significant turning point.

On the second issue, we have made significant progress in the implementation of many of the recommendations of the independent review group, particularly in respect of empowerment of women within our Defence Forces. I will come back to the Deputy with a detailed list setting out progress we have made on that front.

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