Mark Wall (Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is going to come back to us and let us know. I gave my information and I thank the Minister for correcting it if what he says is the case.

The Minister will be aware that the plan we are discussing tonight spoke of an expanded Naval Service. He will also be aware of the importance of our Naval Service as an island nation and in the context of protecting our territorial waters. I am informed that just under 270 personnel have left the Defence Forces so far this year, a figure three times higher than the same figure for the corresponding period in 2021. The question must be asked again as to what the Minister's plans are to address this. He might come back to us on that as well tonight.

I want to return to the issue of accommodation. It will come as no surprise to the Minister that I will bring up once again the matter of the Curragh Camp, which is my home county, Kildare. I am currently dealing with several Defence Forces families regarding their accommodation needs. Simply put, they have nowhere to live. I cannot understand why Deputy Coveney, as Minister, does not tackle the dereliction in the Curragh Camp and convert potential family homes into proper family homes for those who are serving. I have no doubt it would help with retention and build up the Defence Forces family to the strength that the report recommends. Seeing the Curragh like it is today is heartbreaking for many who have served there and continue to serve there. It is now time to address the accommodation of those serving once and for all and begin in the Defence Forces' spiritual home, the Curragh Camp.

With regard to female participation in our forces, the report highlights the need to focus on achieving the Defence Forces' gender parity targets. In spite of the focus on and efforts in new recruitment, I am informed that just 44 women joined last year. The Minister might let us know tonight what he is doing to address this shortfall, as has been asked by my colleagues, and the plans he is going to put in place.

There was a very positive announcement in the budget on primary radar and investment in other areas of defence. However, the figures needed to get to LOA2 are multiples of that. We need to see the Government tackling inadequate remuneration and the continuing staffing crisis in our Defence Forces. The recruitment drive, as many Members have discussed tonight, is simply not working. There must be an urgent review of how the Defence Forces manage their people. This must include female participation.

The Minister mentioned the way forward and high-level plans putting together the building blocks. He mentioned the fact that potentially, we could have €2 billion being spent on the Defence Forces by 2028.

I also want to mention the Reserve Defence Force and the talent in it. Is the Minister planning to use it to encourage and develop the Defence Forces at this time? This was mentioned in the report and in the Labour Party's submission to those producing it. I ask the Minister to mention the recommendation in the report on the working time directive and where that stands.

I was glad to hear the Minister mention that a great partnership has developed between the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. Maybe he will comment on the post-1994 contracts. That has been mentioned and the Minister mentioned it already but he might clarify the position on that for us as well.

The Minister mentioned the implementation oversight group and said he was seeking an independent chairman. I am glad he is putting a bit of time into that. Where does that stand and when does the Minister hope to have it implemented? Could he say something about the make-up of the implementation oversight group?Who will be part of the group?

The Minister referred in his speech to the 38 early actions that were recommended in the report. Where do they stand? How many of them does the Minister hope to have implemented by the end of the year? Are any of them within his remit for implementation in the coming months? We must retain and recruit as many people as possible. I again thank the Minister for coming to the House tonight. I look forward to his replies.