Séamus McGrath
Ceist:61. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the action he is taking to improve retention levels in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30833/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 12 June 2025
Ceisteanna (61)
Freagraí scríofa
Since my appointment as Minister for Defence earlier this year, in addition to a programme of cultural transformation, which is well underway, my focus has been on stabilising the numbers of Defence Force personnel and facilitating the capacity for further increases.
The Deputy will appreciate that retention levels are not influenced by a single factor, but rather that there are multiple, interconnected factors, which are responsible for retaining people in an organisation. The Defence Forces, in common with many peer organisations, both nationally and internationally faces a challenging environment at present in the context of recruitment and retention. This includes the effects of a buoyant Irish economy close to full employment.
It is important to state, at the outset, that recruitment and retention efforts are aligned. In that regard, the Military Authorities have established a Joint Recruitment Office with the appointment of an Officer who leads a specific Retention Team.
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.
In addition, the implementation of the Working Time Directive earlier this year was long identified as an important retention measure for serving members and is a significant step in the transformation of the Defence Forces in line with my commitment to cultural change.
This week Government agreed to my proposal to extend the existing service commitment scheme for Air Corps pilots to air traffic control (ATC) personnel
I would like to ensure the Deputy that attracting and retaining talented individuals and encouraging them to stay and serve in Defence Forces Personnel is a priority for me.
Question No. 62 answered with Question No. 11.