Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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65. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will detail the number of full-time civilian vacancies that are currently ongoing at Defence Forces facilities. [40408/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Civilian employees are employed by my Department to support the operational capabilities of the Defence Forces. The recruitment of Civilian Employees is an ongoing process, based on a combination of the filling of vacancies which arise due to promotions and retirements, and the filling of vacancies on the basis of a process of prioritisation of requirements following engagement with the military authorities.

During 2023, my Department ran external recruitment competitions to fill 15 civilian vacancies in Defence Forces installations. The successful candidates in each competition are progressing through the various stages of the recruitment process and are awaiting appointment. Additionally, internal competitions are underway to fill a further 5 civilian vacancies.

My Department has also recently advertised an open competition to recruit 10 Civilian Clerks in the Naval Base and Dockyard.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The overall Defence property portfolio consists of a diverse range of facilities from conventional military barracks to forts, camps and training lands. In addition, the Naval Base, Haulbowline, Co. Cork and Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Dublin 22 are also permanently occupied military installations.

The Defence Forces for reasons of Operational Security do not comment on the specific disposition of personnel at military locations. It should be noted however that the number of personnel stationed at a particular location will frequently vary, as it is a normal operational feature for there to be a constant through-flow of personnel into and out of military installations on an ongoing basis.

Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, located at Renmore, Galway comprises primarily of an gCéad Chathláin Coisithe (1st Infantry Battalion) and is staffed accordingly to facilitate their operational, support, logistical and training requirements both on the island of Ireland and overseas.

The personnel of an gCéad Chathláin Coisithe have a proud tradition of serving the Irish State and the people of Galway and surrounding counties through its service to Ireland, such as aiding civil authorities, and overseas, through international Defence Forces missions.