Colm Burke
Question:142. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence the steps she is taking to improve retention in the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54218/26]
View answerThursday, 16 July 2026
Questions (142)
Written answers
Stabilising the numbers of Defence Force personnel and facilitating the capacity for further increases is a key priority for me as Minister for Defence.
As the Deputy will be aware, there are multiple factors that influence retention levels and this is broadly experienced across all militaries internationally. That said, I am pleased to say that actions taken to date are having a measurable impact on stabilisation efforts.
Turnover levels in the Permanent Defence Force are carefully monitored and data provided by the Defence Forces indicates that turnover rates have reduced over the last two years with a turnover rate of approximately 7.6% in 2025. This compares favourably with militaries internationally where annual attrition rates of 8 to 12 per cent are typical.
The objective is to keep attrition as low as reasonably practicable while maintaining operational capability.
Some of the steps taken to mitigate attrition and strengthen workforce stability, include increases in the maximum ages of recruitment and retirement, the extension of private secondary healthcare to all personnel, the application of the provisions of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces subject to certain exemptions, increases to Patrol Duty allowance payable to Naval Service personnel at sea, and extension of the Naval Service tax credit to 2029.
A draft Strategic Workforce Plan prepared by the Defence Forces has been submitted to me for consideration. The draft plan sets out a roadmap for building and sustaining the future workforce. As the Deputy will be aware, the aim of this process is to provide a pathway to the achievement of a strength of 11,500, inclusive of civilian personnel, commensurate with Level of Ambition 2.
In addition, Local Bargaining measures are being introduced to support initiatives to improve retention in key capability areas.
I want to reassure the Deputy that continuing improvement of the retention of talented individuals across the Defence Forces is a priority, and in an ever-buoyant employment market, I want to see the Defence Forces as an employer of choice.