Matt Carthy
Ceist:14. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the functions formally performed by members of the Defence Forces which have been outsourced since 2020. [42016/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 17 October 2024
Ceisteanna (14)
Freagraí scríofa
At the outset I have to state that, in the time available, it has not been possible for me to get a definitive list of functions formally performed by members of the Defence Forces which have been outsourced since 2020. I have requested this information from the Defence Forces and will revert to the Deputy with a response once the information is available to me.
I am aware however of a number of areas within the Defence Forces where, due to personnel shortages, particularly in areas where specialist skills are required, it has been necessary to engage or contract external personnel or service providers to carry out certain functions which normally would be provided by Defence Forces personnel.
For example, due to prioritisation of overseas medicals and planned recruitment campaigns estimating additional applicants into both the PDF and RDF in the years ahead, in 2023 the Defence Forces entered into a contract with an external company for the conduct of an estimated 10,200 PDF and RDF occupational and induction Part 2 medicals over a four-year period.
Another example is in relation to the maintenance of our aircraft and naval ships, again personnel shortages, particularly technician shortages, in some instances, have resulted in the requirement to bring in contractors to work alongside Defence Forces personnel to carry out maintenance and in other cases to contract out certain maintenance functions which would ideally be performed in-house. Every effort is being made to increase the strength of our Defence Forces. The high turnover and challenge with recruitment is being experienced worldwide.
This government has introduced many changes to make the Defence Forces an attractive option as a career choice and will continue to work with the Defence Forces to enhance recruitment and retention.
In conclusion I will re-iterate that I do not have a definitive list of the functions that have been outsourced since 2020 however I will revert to the Deputy once this information becomes available.