Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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382. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on introducing job sharing practices in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11594/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Military Authorities that there are a number of facilities available to serving Defence Forces personnel in terms of work life supports. First and foremost Defence Forces members are entitled to maternity leave, paternity leave, parental leave, parents leave and term time in line with national legislation.

In addition a range of ‘harmony’ measures have also been implemented including ‘hot desking’ for certain enlisted and commissioned personnel who have been posted away from their home address, and remote working is considered for a limited number of personnel depending on the circumstances.

Additionally, I am advised that a number of family friendly overseas appointments for commissioned and enlisted personnel have been introduced whereby the normal 6-month tour of duty can be ‘shared’ with another member of the Defence Forces, resulting in a 3-month deployment.

Contracts for military personnel are for full time work, and job sharing (part-time work) is not currently available. However, the Independent Commission on the Defence Forces is currently examining a range of issues in the Defence Forces and its terms of reference encompass the setting out of a strategic perspective on HR policies and associated strategies.

Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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384. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of enlisted and non-enlisted personnel on active service in the Naval Service. [11771/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The military authorities advise that, as of 31st January 2021, the latest date for which such data is available, the strength (whole time equivalent) of the Naval Service was 903 personnel.

This is comprised of 165 Officers and 738 enlisted personnel.