Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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53. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which he remains satisfied at the strength of all branches of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3673/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The Government is committed to maintaining the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, as set out in the White Paper on Defence.

To achieve this, there is significant on-going recruitment. In 2017 some 751 new personnel were inducted into the Permanent Defence Force, comprising of General Service Recruits, Cadets and specialists for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. As of the 31st of December 2017, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force was 9,173 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) personnel, broken down as follows:

- Army: 7,386 personnel

- Air Corps: 724 personnel

- Naval Service: 1,063 personnel

In 2018, similar recruitment will take place and plans for this are currently being finalised between civil and military management. At this point it is not possible to predict precise numbers that will be recruited but it is anticipated that this will be in the region of 800 personnel. 

Certain specialist posts such as Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers and certain Technicians are presenting challenges for recruitment and retention. I have previously acknowledged this fact which is reflective of the current economic circumstances and attractive job opportunities in the private and commercial semi-state sectors.  The extensive professional training that such specialists receive within the Defence Forces makes such personnel very attractive within these sectors.  This is not a unique challenge for the Defence Forces and is also faced by military forces elsewhere.

The Public Service Pay Commission is further examining the issue of the recruitment and retention of specialist personnel within the Defence Forces, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018 – 2020. The Department of Defence is currently preparing a submission on this issue.

I am addressing the issue of specialist vacancies throughout the Permanent Defence Force with a range of recruitment methods including direct entry competitions for specialist positions.  The scope to further expand direct entry is being considered. I have also directed civil and military management to develop proposals to facilitate former PDF personnel with appropriate skill-sets to re-enter the Defence Forces.

Following acceptance by the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations, the pay increases available under the Lansdowne Road agreement were applied to the Defence Forces. I was delighted that both PDFORRA and RACO have also signed up to the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 which is an extension of the Lansdowne Road agreement.  This provides for further pay increase of between 6.2% and 7.4% over its lifetime. 

I remain committed to maximising recruitment of capable personnel, developing serving personnel, and so achieving the best personnel and skills combination to ensure the Defence Forces retain the capacity to operate effectively across all roles.