Written answers

Tuesday, 16 May 2023

Photo of Matt CarthyMatt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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33. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will detail both the maximum and the current strength levels of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22816/23]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The military authorities advise that, as of 31 March 2023, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,807. The current establishment of the Defence Forces is 9,500. Sanction has recently been received for 100 extra positions to facilitate the implementation of the report on the Commission on the Defence Forces. This is in addition to the pending appointments of a civilian Head of Strategic HR, and a civilian Head of Transformation, in the Defence Forces.

I have previously acknowledged the current staffing difficulties in the Defence Forces, and work is ongoing to counter these. The problem is most acute in the enlisted ranks as Officer ranks remain above establishment. Current recruitment initiatives include ongoing general service recruitment, targeted service specific recruitment, direct entry recruitment, and the re-entry schemes.

The 'Be More' recruitment campaign highlights the career opportunities available in the Defence Forces and also the wider benefits of membership. A Naval Service specific recruitment campaign is being developed, and a contract has recently been awarded to a marine specialist recruitment body to target individuals with the skills and expertise required by the Naval Service.

Retention measures include service commitment schemes in the Air Corps and Naval Service, and the sea-going naval personnel tax credit.

I recently secured agreement to further extend the service of post-94 Privates and Corporals, similar to the interim arrangement agreed previously for Sergeants. This allows for their continuance in service to the end of 2024.

There has been significant progress on pay as a result of increases arising from the Public Service Pay Commission report, from recent pay agreements and from the early implementation of some of the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces.

Current pay rates including Military Service Allowances for recruits on completion of their training, start at €37,147 in Year 1, rising to €38,544 in Year 2, and €39,832 in Year 3 of service. A graduate cadet on commissioning starts on a payscale, which includes Military Service Allowance that ranges from €46,406 to €54,696 depending on the type of appointment. A school leaver cadet starts at €41,123 whilst in full-time third level education. These compare very favourably with the starting pay with other areas of the public service.

Arising from the completion of another early action of the Commission on the Defence Forces report endorsing the commitment in the Programme for Government, I have recently secured agreement on regularising the provision of healthcare to all members of the Permanent Defence Force. All personnel can now avail of private secondary medical care, a facility only available to Officers up to now. This is in addition to the comprehensive primary medical and dental care available to all personnel.

My immediate focus is on stabilising the numbers of personnel in the Defence Forces and thereafter increasing strength to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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37. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 6 October 2022, if he will provide an update on his Department’s engagement with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the issue of employment protection for Reserve Defence Force members engaged in voluntary military service in support of the Permanent Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22806/23]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Defence (Amendment) Act 2021 serves to update the Defence Legislation on the use of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) on a voluntary basis, on-island and overseas, in support of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and where it is in the best interests of the PDF. In light of RDF members being deployed on a voluntary basis, it is necessary to consider preparation of employment protection measures. In this regard, I wish to advise the Deputy that engagement has taken place by my officials with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). Further meetings will be scheduled in the near future.

The contribution from officials in DETE on this matter has been both informative and welcome. With their continued assistance, engagement has also commenced between my officials and both employer and employee bodies on this matter.

Information around practical and operational matters being prepared by the military authorities will be particularly relevant in terms of follow-on engagement with DETE and the employer and employee bodies. While there is a suggestion that legislation to underpin employment protection is preferable, the intention at this stage is to develop a Code of Practice with regard to employment protection measures, in consultation with all stakeholders.

I would also advise the Deputy that there is ongoing engagement by officials and the military authorities on an informal basis, with RDFRA, the Representative Association representing the RDF, on a range matters relating to their members, including the practical and operational matters associated with the deployment of the RDF on a voluntary basis, in support of the PDF.

Photo of Mark WardMark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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38. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if there has been an increase in Defence Force Veterans becoming homeless; what is the increases; the reason for the increase; the solutions that are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22720/23]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Neither the Defence Forces nor my Department monitor the incidence of homelessness amongst former members of the Defence Forces.

My Department provides support to two recognised Veterans Associations which represent all former personnel of the Defence Forces, the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE), and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA). My officials engage on an ongoing basis with these associations. As part of the Service Level Agreements in place with my Department, an annual grant of €130,000 is paid to ONE and a grant of €30,000 is paid to IUNVA. As a further means of assistance, my Department has secured a total of €700,000 from the Dormant Accounts Fund since 2021 in order to assist ONE and IUNVA with specific special projects.

Over the past number of years the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have assisted ONE in its plans to establish a network of Veterans Support Centres (VSCs) around the country. ONE has established a total of 15 VSCs to date. The VSCs are available to ALL veterans to seek support and advice, not just to ONE members. In line with the commitment in the current Programme for Government, my Department continues to facilitate, where possible, the establishment of further VSCs around the country.

Additionally, ONE currently provides board and lodgings for 51 retired members of the Defence Forces in its four residential homes in Brú na bhFiann, Smithfield, Dublin, Beechwood House, Letterkenny, Custume House, Athlone, and Brú na Farraige, Cobh, Co. Cork, the latter of which was opened in October 2021 and was part-funded through the Dormant Accounts Fund. Development of ONE’s fifth home in St Luke’s, Cork City is currently in progress, and will also draw on Dormant Accounts funding.

IUNVA operates 8 drop-in centres at its 22 posts around the country and accommodates 4 retired members of the Defence Forces in its residence in the Curragh Camp. IUNVA is currently in the process of developing a drop-in centre and residential home for a further 4 veterans of the Defence Forces in Cavan with assistance from the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Veterans can also apply through the Defence Forces Benevolent Fund if in need of financial support. The Fund provides support to veterans of the Defence Forces and their families who experience periods of financial difficulty. It operates in a confidential and supportive manner to provide much-needed support to military veterans and their dependents, regardless of rank or length of service, and who are resident in the State and overseas. This support is provided on a case-by-case basis and it is organised and distributed through committees of serving military personnel, in each of the Formations and Services.

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