Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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615. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the retention strategies he is implementing to prevent highly trained officers and soldiers from leaving the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31773/16]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising 7,519 Army, 887 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service as provided for in the current C.S.4 regulations.

There are a number of initiatives in place that address recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces. One of the key policies supporting personnel retention is the opportunity for extensive personal and professional development offered by the Defence Forces through accredited courses, and the unique features of the military environment. But it is also the case that the extensive professional training they receive makes them very attractive within the private sector.

The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services. Personnel are posted on the basis of operational needs across the organisation both at home and abroad. As there is significant turnover of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force targeted recruitment takes place so as to maintain personnel numbers at or near the agreed strength levels.

All efforts are currently being directed at recruitment in order to return the Defence Forces to their approved establishment. This is not without challenge and we cannot be complacent. However, with the support of the Chief of Staff, I am confident that we shall retain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks assigned by Government, both at home and overseas.

Additionally, in terms of remuneration, the new Public Service Pay Commission, recently announced by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, has been tasked with providing objective analysis and advice on the most appropriate pay levels for the public service, including the Defence Forces.