Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2024
145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which optimum strength in the Defence Forces is being maintained with equal reference to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28355/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra148. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the degree to which he remains satisfied regarding the strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps with particular reference to ensuring the maintenance of recommended levels of strength throughout all branches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28358/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 148 together.
As of the 31 May 2024, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,447 personnel. This was comprised of:
Army: 6,036, (Establishment 7,520)
Air Corps: 695, (Establishment 886)
Naval Service: 716, (Establishment 1,094)
The agreed overall establishment strength was recently increased by 100 to 9,600 to account for the first cohort of Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF) appointments; however, these posts have not been broken down by Branch.
Whilst recruitment and retention challenges have been acknowledged, a range of measures have been introduced by this Government to address these and make the Defence Forces an attractive option as a career choice. To this end, there is provision, contained in the €1.23 billion allocated for the Defence Sector in Budget 2024, for the recruitment and training of a net additional 400 personnel in 2024.
In addition to ongoing recruitment for general service recruits and direct entry specialists, there are a number of recruitment and retention initiatives underway to increase capacity. An example includes the recent increase in the maximum retirement age for PDF personnel to 60 years. This retention measure also facilitated an increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 years for General Service Recruits, Cadets and certain specialists with effect from 29 March 2024.
Other financial and non-financial retention initiatives are currently being implemented such as the extension of the provision of private secondary healthcare to all members of the PDF, in addition to significant progress on pay and allowances.
It should be noted that interest in a career in the Defence Forces remains strong with 9,479 applications received in 2023 and 6,045 received in 2024 as at 31 May.
I can assure the Deputy that the manpower requirement of the Defence Forces continues to be monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each the three services.
