Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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129. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current total number of Defence Forces personnel; the allocation under Budget 2024 in relation to sustaining that cohort; the targeted number of recruits in 2024 and related additional allocation; the cost of increasing the number of personnel to 9,500; the cost of further increasing the number of personnel to 11,500, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24061/24]

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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130. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of employing a career guidance officer to assist and prepare Defence Forces personnel to re-engage with civilian life post-discharge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24062/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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There are no plans to engage a career guidance officer in the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces Personnel Support Service (DF PSS) routinely provides support to personnel who are preparing to leave the Defence Forces through appropriate guidance and signposting to available services.

The DF PSS also coordinates and conducts transition to civilian life training on an ongoing basis. This training is conducted for enlisted personnel within formations and at Defence Forces level for commissioned officers. It is available to all members of the Defence Forces.

The purpose of the training is to provide information and guidance to support personnel leaving or contemplating leaving the Defence Forces. The courses facilitate personnel who are retiring both voluntarily, and on age grounds. The training is beneficial to individuals contemplating retirement, or as a leadership tool for commanders at all levels who wish to be in a better position to advise staff.

The areas covered in the TCLC include medical preparation for civilian life, mental health and wellbeing, career development and job seeking, finance, tax, Insurance and pensions. Instruction is delivered through a mix of civilian and military instructors and is constantly updated. Courses are advertised well in advance and last for two to three days. All content is routinely examined to ensure that it is current and accurate.