John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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34. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current strength of the Defence Forces in each of the services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23505/22]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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37. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the way that he plans to recruit additional Defence Forces members; the remuneration package that he plans to offer existing and new members of the Irish Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23834/22]

Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
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43. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps that he will take to improve the recruitment and retention of personnel in the Defence Forces; the position regarding the implementation of recommendations of the Public Service Pay Commission 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23816/22]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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54. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the timeframe for increasing the strength of the Defence Forces by 3,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23501/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 37, 43 and 54 together.

As of the 31st of March 2022, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stands at 8,366 personnel, consisting of 6,778 Army personnel, 733 Air Corps personnel and 855 Naval Service Personnel.

The report of the Commission on the Defence Forces has made it clear that the level of ambition (LOA) for the Defence Forces must be elevated beyond that at which it is operating at the moment.

The report outlines three levels of ambition. LOA 1 is essentially proceeding as we are at present and trying to move back to a full establishment figure of 9,500. The Commission has concluded that this would leave the Defence Forces unable to mount a credible defence of the State. LOA 2 would address specific priority gaps to improve on-island and overseas capabilities. LOA 3, would bring Ireland in line with other small neutral European countries in terms of spend. I am on the record as saying that LOA 2 is the minimum that we should aim for. This level of ambition will require an additional 2000 personnel beyond the establishment figure of 9,500 and an increase in the defence budget of some 50%. The Defence Forces are responsible for recruitment and I have requested them to examine their recruitment practices and structures to facilitate this increase in numbers.

This Commission report also includes, inter alia, consideration of issues relating to culture, recruitment and retention, working hours, work-life balance, training, promotion, diversity and a host of other matters all of which will have an impact on job satisfaction and morale. Following relevant consultation, I will revert to Government with a proposed response to the Commission's recommendations and a high-level action plan, which will set out proposed timelines and oversight arrangements for its implementation.

In the interim, my focus remains on restoring all branches of the Defence Forces to the current agreed strength and in that context, there are a number of initiatives which are presently being implemented to counter ongoing staffing challenges. Most of the 15 projects undertaken to facilitate the implementation of the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) Report on Recruitment and Retention have been completed or are now being progressed in other forums. There is ongoing general service and direct entry recruitment and some 110 personnel have been inducted to date in 2022. Retention measures include service commitment schemes in the Air Corps and Naval Service, and the sea-going naval personnel tax credit. Pay has improved as a result of increases arising from the PSPC report and from recent pay agreements. Agreement has also been reached on the extension of service limits for privates and corporals, with discussions ongoing relating to sergeants.

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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35. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if members of the Defence Forces at the rank of sergeant who are affected by the situation regarding the post-94 contracts will be informed by his Department as to whether they will be allowed to remain in service as per his announcement in December 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23755/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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A civil/military review of mandatory retirement ages and service limits of all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force has been conducted. The recommendations arising from the review require consideration from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to implications on costs and pensions.

In December 2021, I secured agreement with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, which allows for an extension in service limits for Privates and Corporals, who were recruited to the Permanent Defence Force since 1 January 1994, to remain in service up to 50 years of age, subject to them meeting certain criteria including medical and fitness standards.

In addition, I also secured arrangements that will facilitate the extension of service limits of Sergeants recruited to the Permanent Defence Force since 1994. Discussions are ongoing between officials in the Department of Defence and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in respect of the nature of the arrangement.