Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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90. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the recruitment options that he is considering to attract more individuals towards joining the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33668/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I have previously acknowledged the staffing challenges in the Defence Forces, both in specialist and general roles, and a range of measures are being implemented to tackle these.

In this regard, I recently launched the new Defence Forces recruitment rebrand ‘Be More with the Irish Defence Forces’. The new marketing strategy aligns the desire to continuously improve and learn new skills with ensuring long term career advancement, by demonstrating the opportunities and skills a career in the Defence Forces offers. 

The Defence Forces continue to engage with the education sector through career talks in schools, regularly participating in virtual career discussions through career guidance websites, and hosting 'Question and Answer' sessions on social media channels with the desired demographic. Transition year students can avail of placements within the Defence Forces to undertake various programmes demonstrating career opportunities, also serving to raise awareness of the requirements of a career in the military.

Additionally, recruitment teams frequently attend recruitment and career fairs/events to promote career opportunities within each Branch of the Organisation and, to date in 2022, have attended 22 such events.The attractiveness of a career in the Defence Forces is emphasised at such events including the opportunity for continuous upskilling and availing of third level education. A recently developed infographic on the benefits of a career in the Defence Forces, also highlights this point. 

The Defence Forces have also engaged a marketing and media partner to assist with recruitment advertising to ensure engagement with the recruitment demographic across social media and other media platforms. Advertising for specialist recruitment by direct entry is placed in industry specific publications and websites. In the past few years the scope for direct entry has expanded and total of 12 direct entry competitions are being utilised in 2022. 

My focus is on restoring all Branches of the Defence Forces to full strength, facilitated by ongoing staffing initiatives and the promotion of careers within the organisation. Furthermore, consideration of the recommendations of the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces is ongoing. I intend to revert shortly to Government with a proposed response to those recommendations and a high-level action plan, which will set out proposed timelines and oversight arrangements for its implementation.

Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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91. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of transfers to alternative barracks that have been refused due to concerns in relation to staffing levels and the inability to replace experienced personnel. [34160/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Military Authorities have advised that data on the number of transfers to alternative barracks that have been refused is not retained.

I have been further advised by the Military Authorities that in general, transfer requests are considered on a case by case basis.

An individual member submits an application for transfer from one service corps to another or a posting (within service corps) through the chain of command, for the consideration of the relevant Brigade/Formation Commanders. An important factor in considering the approval of a transfer request is the existence of a vacancy of appropriate rank and skill set. Where Formation Commanders disagree, the final determination is made by the Deputy Chief of Staff (Support).

In this regard, the operational needs of the organisation are balanced with the needs of the individual. I am advised that there is a requirement for Unit Commanders to create conditions where members are afforded the opportunity to meet their contractual obligations for extension of service.

A situation may arise where the movement of an individual to another unit is detrimental to their ability to meet the contractual requirements for extension in service as laid out in Defence Forces Regulations.

In addition, I would advise the Deputy that under the terms of the Promotion Scheme for Non-Commissioned Officers of Sergeant rank and higher, as agreed with the Representative Association, PDFORRA, applications for transfer are ordinarily not administered during the lifetime of the Order of Merit list, of any particular promotion competition.

This allows for vacancies to be filled through promotion as opposed to transfer or posting.

In exceptional circumstances, the filling of vacancies by way of posting/ transfer during a live promotion competition may be sanctioned by the Deputy Chief of Staff (Support).

Where the Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) sanctions a posting or transfer during this period, every effort is made to ensure that no individual on a live Order of Merit list. will be adversely affected.