Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 September 2025
53. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has examined the extent to which pension entitlements are hindering retention levels in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48985/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRetention, as the Deputy will be aware, is not influenced by a single factor, but rather that there are multiple, interconnected factors, which are responsible for retaining people in any organisation. In common with other international militaries and while in a buoyant economy, the Defence Forces is facing a challenging environment at present.
Pension entitlements cannot be viewed solely as a retention measure; they are in place primarily to support the Defence Forces manpower policy and operational requirements.
Defence Forces pension arrangements differ in a number of key respects to the wider public service. These distinctions include earlier ages with entitlement to immediate pension benefit, and atypical faster rates of benefit accrual, similar to other uniformed services.
Pension entitlements for members of the Defence Forces are split over 3 main pension schemes, depending on when a member joined the Defence Forces. In the round, Defence Forces pension schemes compare very favourably to the generality of pension arrangements applicable across our public service
As Minister for Defence, in addition to a programme of cultural transformation, my focus has been on stabilising the numbers of personnel and facilitating the capacity for further increases.
A number of specific actions in the area of retention have already been delivered: -
• Significant progress on pay in recent years;
• Increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62 years of age for all personnel
• Increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39;
• Increases to Patrol Duty Allowance to incentivise sea-going in the Naval Service;
• The extension of a Naval Service personnel tax credit for a further five years;
• The extension of private healthcare to all ranks in the Defence Forces;
• Access to free medical, physiotherapy and dental care;
• Provision of fitness, training and sports facilities across its installations;
• Provision of fully funded opportunities to continue education to gain professional and academic qualifications;
• Progress on the 2023-2027 Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) with the highest level of financial resources in the State’s history;
• A revised policy on maternity and associated protected leave which is fully aligned with national legislation;
• A new policy on personal appearance standards;
• Removal of the blanket exemption from the Organisation of Working Time Act.
• DPER Sanction to re-new existing Service Commitment Schemes and extended the existing service commitment scheme for Air Flying Officers (Pilots) to Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel.
• The implementation of a range of work-life balance and 'harmony’ initiatives.
While it may take some time to see the full fruits of these ongoing efforts., I would like to assure the Deputy that both the recruitment and retention of Defence Forces Personnel continues to be a key priority for me.
