Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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32. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding any initiatives that seek to encourage both recruitment and retention of personnel in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30440/25]

Tom Brabazon (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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35. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the actions his Department is taking to improve recruitment and retention rates within the Defence Forces. [31255/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 35 together.

The military authorities have advised me that as of 30 April 2025, the latest date for which such information is available, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,512.

Figures provided for 2024 and to date in 2025 indicate a stabilisation in the strength. There were 708 personnel inducted in 2024, the highest in over five years. While it is positive that numbers are stabilising, I want to see greater progress in recruitment of personnel and I have been very clear with the Chief of Staff of my ambitions in that regard. The Defence Forces have further advised that they are targeting 800 inductions at a minimum for this year.

Interest in a career in the Defence Forces is very strong and grew significantly again in 2024 with a total applications showing an increase of 33% across all competitions compared to the previous year. This trend has continued into 2025.

I have acknowledged in the past the recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces. Government has introduced a number of key enabling measures to drive Defence Forces recruitment. These include an increase in recruitment age to 39 years for those roles that had a recruitment age below that, and to 50 years for Direct Entry Specialists. The mandatory retirement age has been increased to 62. Private secondary healthcare has been rolled out to all personnel and the provisions of the Working Time Directive have been applied across the Defence Forces subject to certain exemptions. The Patrol Duty allowance payable to Naval Service personnel at sea has been doubled after ten days at sea in a calendar year and the Naval Service tax credit has been extended for a further five years.

A Joint Induction Training Centre has been established in Gormanston, and the military authorities have advised that when fully operational, it will enable induction training to be provided to 900 recruits per annum.

There has been significant progress on pay in recent years. Recruits on completion of training now start at €41,465 inclusive of Military Service Allowance in Year 1 which represents an increase of 49% over the past 6 years. School leaver Cadets upon commissioning earn €45,341 inclusive of Military Service Allowance, whilst in full time education, while the pay of Graduate Cadets now commences on €50,667 inclusive of Military Service Allowance. There is further pay increase of 1% due under the current pay agreement in August while several items are being negotiated under the local bargaining provision.

Budget 2025 provided a record allocation of €1.35 billion for the Defence Sector, an increase of €100 million. In relation to specific recruitment targets, this allocation provides for the recruitment of at least a net additional 400 personnel per annum.

This week Government agreed to my proposal to extend the existing service commitment scheme for Air Corps pilots to air traffic control (ATC) personnel.

Whilst there are still undoubtedly challenges, significant progress has been made on a number of fronts and the allocation of record levels of expenditure to the Defence sector is illustrative of my intent in this regard.

Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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37. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will outline the current and planned measures by the Defence Forces to enhance their preparedness for responding to climate-related emergencies, including flooding, wildfires and severe weather events, in light of the growing risks these pose to national infrastructure and public safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31118/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Climate change is a whole-of-Government, whole-of-society issue. The Office of Emergency Planning, in my Department, conducts the National Risk Assessment, which in 2023 identified 22 key risks facing Ireland and analysed each risk to assess the impacts of climate change on them.

In relation to the Defence Forces, while they are not a Principal Response Agency, they do where requested; provide assistance to the appropriate lead government department, in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its Aid to Civil Authority (ATCA) role. The recent Defence Policy Review sets out that the Defence Forces carry out ATCA supports to other Government Departments and principal response agencies to address climate change challenges, extreme weather events and wider national emergency response and supports as well as the provision of certain aeromedical supports to the HSE. As Chair of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, I have made it very clear that any lessons identified from recent events are to be incorporated into future planning and resilience to minimise the impacts of climate related emergencies on our communities. I understand that the Department of Housing has commenced a lessons learned process following Storm Éowyn. My Department has been centrally involved in this process and I understand that it is intended to advise the Government of the lessons learned and necessary follow up actions in the coming weeks.

The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces identifies that where possible, future capabilities should be dual-use, therefore allowing them to be used in delivering Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) and Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) operations in addition to core military functions. The report also calls for the Defence Forces to integrate with whole-of-government processes, with a focus on contributing to national security and national resilience through ATCP and ATCA operations. The Defence Forces are already integrated into the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning and contribute senior officers to the National Emergency Coordination Group when convened.

Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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38. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current measures his Department is taking to support Defence Forces veterans; the further plans his Department is considering in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31261/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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At the outset, I wish to assure the Deputy that I recognise the outstanding contribution made to the State by our ex-service personnel. In this regard, my Department provides support to two recognised Veterans Associations. These Veterans Associations, which represent all former personnel, are the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) and Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE), the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel.

My officials and I meet regularly with these recognised Veterans Associations, as well as the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO), to discuss matters of concern to their members. My Department has entered into Service Level Agreements with IUNVA and ONE, under which an annual grant is paid to both organisations in order to assist with their administrative overheads. IUNVA is paid €40,000 and ONE is paid €173,000. These grants were increased substantially in 2022 and have been increased again in 2025.

As a further means of assistance, since 2021 my Department has also secured total funding of €1,100,000 under the Dormant Accounts Fund to assist both organisations with specific special projects.

In addition to the supports highlighted to the recognised Veterans Associations, the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service also provides limited support to retired members of the Defence Forces on a case-by-case basis, as well as assisting IUNVA and ONE in their work providing advice and support to veterans.

The Deputy may also be aware that the 2025 Programme for Government includes a commitment to establish a dedicated Office of Veterans Affairs, based in the Department of Defence and working across Government. This commitment is currently being progressed and it is intended to establish this office as soon as possible.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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40. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the progress to date in implementing the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces in relation to recruitment and retention of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31218/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The status of the recommendations in the 2022 Report from the Commission on the Defence Forces, under the heading of Strategic HR and Cultural Change are as follows:

• 22 completed
• 18 being progressed
• 5 at the discovery phase
• 2 recommendations yet to commence

At the time of the 2022 Report from the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF), the establishment of the PDF was 9,500.

Incrementally over the last number of years, 239 extra positions were agreed, to facilitate the Defence Forces in implementing the report’s recommendations. These positions are in the main filled by promotion of existing staff, with some external direct entry recruitment for key positions including, two one-off competitions conducted in 2024 which resulted in the appointment of a Gender Adviser (GENAD) and a Digital Transformation Officer (DTO), both at the rank of Colonel.

Regarding the implementation of the CODF Report specifically around recruitment, the Deputy may wish to note that:

• The total inductions across General Service Recruitment, Direct Entry, Re-Enlistments and Cadets is trending upwards from a low of 435 in 2022 to 708 in 2024.
• General Service Recruitment has increased from 350 in 2022 to 577 in 2024. Up to the end of May 2025 there have been 150 General Service Recruits inducted into the Defence Forces. The total number of General Service Recruits enlisted in the Defence Forces from 2022 – 2025 is 1388;
• There has been a total of 31 Direct Entry personnel who have joined the Defence Forces between 2022 and the end of May 2025;
• There has been a total of 66 Re-Enlistments in the Defence Forces between 2022 and the end of May 2025;
• The Cadet intake has steadily increased from 45 Cadets in 2022 to 63 in 2023, 82 in 2024 and the target intake for 2025 is 80 Cadets;
• Maximum age for enlistment in the Defence Forces has increased from 29 – 39 years;
• Concerning a Naval service Specific Recruitment Campaign, the campaign is ongoing. A company has been awarded a contract for 2025 - 2026 to provide recruit process outsourcing, including marketing strategies and campaigns for the Naval Service; and
• Regarding maintaining marine specialist recruitment, the contract is still in place and recruitment is open.

A number of specific actions in the area of retention have already been delivered, including:

• Significant progress on pay;
• An increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62;
• The extension of private healthcare to all ranks in the Defence Forces;
• Provision of fitness, training and sports facilities across its installations;
• Progress on the 2023-2027 Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) with the highest level of financial resources in the State’s history;
• The provision of excellent training and education opportunities;
• The updating and development of a number of work-life balance and family-friendly initiatives are also being pursued.

I would like to ensure the Deputy that attracting and retaining talented individuals will continue to be priority for me and I believe that the concerted efforts underway will greatly assist us.

Joe Neville (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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41. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the progress to date in improving pay levels for members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30993/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Significant progress has been made, in terms of the pay and conditions for Defence Force personnel, particularly over the last five (5) years. In addition, under the current national pay deal, the Public Service Agreement (PSA) 2024-2026, a further 1% increase in basic pay, as well as allowances in the nature of pay with effect from 1 August 2025, will positively affect members of the Defence Forces.

For context, in May 2019 a newly qualified three-star private could have expected to earn €27,759 gross per annum (including military service allowance but excluding duty allowances), on completion of his/her initial training.

Following the implementation of a number of pay related Commission on Defence Forces recommendations, coupled with ongoing pay increases being applied as part of national pay agreements, at present recruit pay, on completion of training (which takes approximately 24 weeks), starts at:

• €41,465 in Year 1
• €42,875 in Year 2 and
• €44,176 in Year 3

Equally, for the Officer cohort, a school leaver Cadet, on commissioning, was paid €30,884 in 2019. As of 01 March 2025 a school leaver Cadet, again on commissioning, is now paid €45,341, which is a second lieutenant position.

As such, in the last 5 years a cadet's pay, on commissioning, has increased by €14,457 in 5 years, or by 49%. Furthermore, after 2 years they are promoted to lieutenant and their pay rises to €50,677.

Where a graduate joins – the pay rate on commissioning begins at €50,677. These rates all include pensionable military service allowance, which is an allowance that is paid to all ranks up to and including the rank of Colonel, for the unpredictable nature of the work encountered by the Defence Forces.

In the conversation surrounding the pay and conditions of members of the Defence Forces, it is important to point out that in addition to basic pay and military service allowance, certain positions in the Defence Forces also attract specialist and technical pay. Additionally there is scope for further income from duty allowances for specific duties carried, out on an ongoing basis, as well as the possibility of earning a tax-free duty allowance, starting at €15,000, for a 6 month overseas deployment.

The Deputy may also be aware of the changes to Patrol Duty Allowance for Naval Service personnel which came into effect on 1 January 2024. This measure will result in the Patrol Duty Allowance being doubled after ten days at sea. This particular measure will provide greater clarity on the overall incentive package available to members of, and potential recruits to, the Naval Service.

Key changes to broader conditions include extension of private medical care to all personnel; increases to mandatory retirement ages and recruitment ages, and earlier this year, the removal of the blanket exemption from the Organisation of the Working Time Act.

As outlined, positive progress has been made on pay and conditions in the Defence Forces. There is a significant increase in interest in joining the Defence Forces over the last two years. We will continue to ensure that Defence Forces remains an employer of choice.