Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Smith for the question. The Deputy is correct. Recruitment and retention have to be a key priority for Government because so much else of what we want to do, in terms of the national security space, the capability of the Defence Forces and the infrastructure we want to purchase and secure, relies on having men and women to operate and operationalise much of that.

Figures provided for 2024 give us some cause for hope in terms of a stabilisation in numbers. It was the first year in quite a number of years where we saw modest growth but we certainly saw a stabilisation in the number of people in the Defence Forces. There were 708 personnel inducted into the Defence Forces in 2024 and this is the highest number in over five years.

The current strength of the Permanent Defence Forces, as at 9 April 2025, the latest date for which this figure is available, stood at 7,545 personnel. The Defence Forces have further advised that they are targeting 800 inductions at a minimum for this year.

The Deputy's question is a fair one. I suppose being able to predict the number is not an exact science because it depends on retirements, etc., as well. If we had 708 inducted last year and if we could get to 800 inductions this year, there would be a real clear trajectory of growth but it would also give us a great sense of confidence that the Defence Forces had the ability to ramp up their numbers in terms of inductions.

We need to step up the scale of ambition even further in terms of making greater progress and I have had good engagement and conversations with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces and made him clear of Government's ambitions in that regard.

Recruitment to the Defence Forces and the positive trajectory has not happened by accident. It has happened because we have taken a number of decisions. We established a joint induction training centre in Gormanston, and the military authorities have advised that when fully operational, this will enable induction training to be provided to 900 recruits per annum. Recently, the largest recruit class of 72 recruits was welcomed into the facility.

In February 2025, my Department signed a contract for the construction of a new modern gymnasium, with multipurpose hall, as well as a purpose-built obstacle course at the Gormanston camp. This contract is scheduled to take 15 months to complete.

There has been significant progress on pay, which is also important. We need to make sure we get the message out that recruits on completion of training now start at €41,465 inclusive of military service allowance in year 1, which represents an increase of 49% over the past six years.

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