Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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54. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if research has been undertaken to determine whether the Defence Forces as a career remains an attractive option; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3674/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Given the unique and demanding nature of military life, there is understandably a relatively high level of turnover among Defence Forces personnel. However, this is not new and the Defence Forces have always had a level of turnover that far exceeds other areas of the public service.

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

In order to balance personnel turnover there is significant ongoing recruitment at both enlisted and officer level. 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. The conduct of two recruitment campaigns in 2017 for general service recruits yielded just over 8,000 applicants.

In terms of pay, following PDFORRA’S acceptance of the terms of the Lansdowne Road Agreement last year, adjustments have been applied to salary scales with the focus on the lower paid. On completion of recruit and three star training newly qualified 3 star Privates and their Naval Service equivalent can expect minimum gross annual earnings of €27,000 (inclusive of military service allowance) an increase of over €5,000 on the previous total of €21,828.  

The terms of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 have been accepted by PDFORRA and RACO. This Agreement also provides for further pay increases ranging from 6.2% to 7.4% over the lifetime of the agreement.

I have announced a number of initiatives ranging from a review of the C&A Scheme, a review of the criteria governing Contracts for enlisted personnel and a comprehensive skills gap analysis across the Defence Forces. These directly address issues raised in the Climate Study. In addition, the Chief of Staff is actively addressing matters relating to military management of work practices in the Defence Forces.

I am satisfied that membership of the Defence Forces is an attractive career prospect for men and women who wish to serve their country in a military context.