Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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1732. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on his Department's survey on whether there is a widespread concern among the focus groups that the loss of experience and corporate knowledge is reaching a critical point in the Defence Forces and that it is already affecting operational readiness and capability; the actions he will take on foot of this finding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35499/17]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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1733. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the lack of morale within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35500/17]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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1734. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on specialists leaving the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35501/17]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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1736. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the reports that there are approximately 60 members of the Defence Forces departing each month; his further views on the attrition rate in the Defence forces; if he is taking action to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35503/17]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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1740. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the finding in the latest Defence Forces climate survey that officers and NCOs at all levels raised the issue of privates' pay; the steps he will take on foot of this finding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35507/17]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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1741. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the finding in the latest Defence Forces climate survey that it is clear from the data available and from the focus groups that there are significant middle management gaps at barrack and unit level within the Defences Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35508/17]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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1742. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the finding in the latest Defence Forces climate survey that there is a sense of disconnect with the general staff; the steps he will take to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35509/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1732 to 1734, inclusive, 1736, 1740 to 1742, inclusive, together.

The report referred to by the Deputy is a follow up to the first phase of the Climate Study and it further explores the issues raised in the original survey. The Focus Groups engaged in the study were conducted towards the latter end of last year and early this year. The comments quoted therein cover a wide range of issues relating to human resources management including, amongst others, pay and conditions (particularly pay for the lowest paid members of the Defence Forces), vacancies, recruitment and retention, promotion systems, performance management, leadership, culture, morale, stress and work-life balance. The Deputy has asked a range of questions relating to specific comments within the report. As advised by the University of Limerick, their findings and recommendations are interconnected and caution should apply to reading any one particular finding in isolation. In this context, I have addressed the questions in the round in line with the holistic approach being taken in response to the Study.

The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with operational requirements. As there is significant turnover of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force targeted recruitment has been and is currently taking place so as to maintain the agreed strength levels. I am advised by the Military Authorities that the Defence Forces are planning to increase the level of recruitment in 2017 and a number of competitions are currently underway in this regard. The 2017 Cadet Competition was launched on 22 March 2017. A total of 100 Cadet inductions are planned to take place in September 2017. The Defence Forces are currently advertising for Apprentice Trainee Technicians and hope to induct new Apprentices from this competition in Sept/Oct 2017.

General Service Recruitment Campaigns for both the Army and Naval Service were launched on 23 February 2017. The competitions have now progressed and general service recruitment has commenced.

Public Service pay is based on collective agreements negotiated with public service trade unions and representative associations. Since the survey was carried out, PDFORRA has signed up to the Lansdowne Road Agreement (LRA), resulting in increases in pay/salary for all their members. In addition, recent adjustments to salary scales will significantly benefit general service recruits and privates who joined the Defence Forces since January 2013 (increases of between 8% and 24% depending on the scale point). Further benefits are provided for under the extended LRA. The extended LRA proposals are under consideration by the Representative Associations.

I was briefed on the Report at the end of June and I met with the Representative Associations on the 13th July 2017. I will discuss the issues raised in the report further with them in September. The broad range of HR issues raised in the study are being considered by senior management. As the Deputy will be aware there is a significant ongoing programme of HR development within the Defence Organisation. This study was intended to further inform that work.

I believe that this ongoing programme of HR development, much of which was set out in the White Paper on Defence (2015), will deliver more effective, energetic and sustainable Defence Forces, with an associated beneficial impact on morale into the future. As part of this programme civil and military management will bring forward proposals in respect of retaining specialists, providing for re-entry and where appropriate, direct entry, for my consideration and I expect to be in receipt of those shortly. The Public Service Pay Commission will further examine the issue of retention of specialist personnel in accordance with the provisions of the recent Pay Agreement. I believe that the Climate Survey process has provided an opportunity for members of the Defence Forces, including the Representative Associations, to express their views. This is to be welcomed.