Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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64. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on recent reports that, due primarily to poor pay and conditions, almost 3,000 members of the Defence Forces have taken early retirement in the past five years; the implications for staffing levels in the Defence Forces; his plans to improve conditions for those serving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44050/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Given the unique and demanding nature of military life, there is understandably a very high level of turnover among Defence Forces personnel. However, this is not new and t he Defence Forces have always had a large turnover of approximately 500 personnel on an annual basis. In the years between 2012 and 2016, discharges averaged some 581 annually. Moreover, a certain level of turnover is, of course, desirable as a human resource and organisational objective in order to maintain an appropriate age profile across the Defence Forces and to retain an approach to regular revitalisation.

Voluntary exit interviews of personnel of all ranks conducted by the Defence Forces indicate that the reasons for leaving range from economic factors to family circumstances, lifestyle and a desire for a change of career.

To redress the balance of personnel turnover there is significant ongoing recruitment at both enlisted and officer level and it is anticipated that approximately 800 new personnel will have been inducted into the Permanent Defence Force during 2017. This includes general service recruits, apprentices, cadets and direct entry officers. A range of recruitment methods are being employed including direct entry competitions for specialist positions and the scope to further expand direct entry is being considered.

In terms of pay, following sign up by PDFORRA to the Lansdowne Road Agreement, recent adjustments to salary scales will significantly benefit general service recruits and privates who joined the Defence Forces since 2013 (increases of between 8% and 13% depending on scale point). The Public Service Stablility Agreement 2018 -2020 also provides for further pay increases. The fact that further consideration by the Public Service Pay Commission of recruitment and retention issues is provided for under the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, is also a welcome development. Further pay increases ranging from 5.75% to 7.25% depending on the individual’s current wage threshold will also be paid under this Agreement.

As the Deputy will be aware, there is a significant ongoing programme of HR development within the Defence Organisation.

I remain committed to maximising recruitment to the Defence Forces and ensuring that, where possible, the terms and conditions of service are as favourable as they can be within the current budgetary parameters.

With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, the Government is committed to retaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and abroad.