Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 September 2025
22. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to report on the progress of recruitment campaigns for school leavers and women into careers in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49114/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra48. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the Programme for Government commitment to a nationwide programme for transition year and third level students, with a view to achieving the target of 11,500 personnel and better representation of women at all levels of the Defence Forces. [48990/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 48 together.
The military authorities have advised that as of 31 July 2025, the latest date for which such information is available, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,540.
Recruitment to the Defence Forces remains ongoing through a number of pathways including general service recruitment, re-entry schemes, 8 Naval Service specific direct entry competitions, a Dental Nurse competition and a bespoke competition for Grooms in the Equitation School. The 2025 Cadetship competition closed for applications in April of this year. Total inductions for the year to the end of August stood at 350 and the military authorities advise me that a significant number of further inductions are planned to take place from this month onwards.
The Permanent Defence Force (PDF) continues to strive to position the Defence Forces as an employer of choice by conducting long-term brand building, as well as direct recruitment activation. Activities centre on driving awareness of careers in the Defence Forces, building a positive perception of the Defence Forces as an organisation, and increasing application numbers. Interest in a career in the Defence Forces is very strong with applications to the Permanent Defence Force as of the 31 August showing a year on year increase of 33%, and with applications from female candidates showing a year on year increase of 46%. This builds on the significant expansion in application numbers achieved in 2024 with 12,462 applications received up to end August this year compared with 13,348 applications in 2024.
The Defence Forces continue to broadcast its message through regular engagement with schools, Education and Training Boards and third level institutions, in addition to frequent attendance at recruitment and career fairs/events. Furthermore, transition year students can avail of placements within the organisation to undertake various programmes, across a number of locations, thereby demonstrating career opportunities to both male and female candidates.
A number of initiatives have been implemented specifically targeted to increase the level of female participation in the Permanent Defence Force. These include, attendance by male and female representatives is at all recruitment events and a gender perspective is incorporated in all advertising. In addition fitness test requirements are tailored for females such as the number of push ups and sit-ups that must be achieved to pass the fitness test with a video available on the military website to assist. The Joint Recruitment Office are also actively reaching out to female applicants in the recruitment pipeline in order to support them throughout the application process should they need additional support, as appropriate. A Defence Forces Women's Network was established with the aim of increasing the participation of female personnel at all levels of the organisation. The Defence Forces has also recently completed a tender for the creative design of a female-focused recruitment campaign. It is anticipated that this will be completed this year and launched in early 2026.
The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities.
