Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
146. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Defence for an overview of the strategic HR and cultural change to be delivered under the updated Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. [12374/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for her question.
As Minister for Defence, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, fit for purpose organisation. Increasing recruitment and improving retention rates in the Defence Forces is an absolute priority for me, and in order to achieve this, it is essential that a strategic approach to HR and meaningful cultural change is achieved in the Defence Forces.
Last week, I published the Strategic Framework for the Transformation of the Defence Forces and an Update to the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Commission on the Defence Forces.
These documents highlight a renewed focus on workforce planning, new command and joint structures, service reform, revitalising the Reserve Defence Force and developing modern joint capabilities.
These are not simply words, they are a statement of our dedication to the transformation of the Defence Forces, enshrining that we welcome diversity and support the women and men of Óglaigh na hÉireann.
The Strategic Framework also sets out priority actions for the year ahead, including boosting recruitment and retention, regenerating the Naval Service and Air Corps, improving equipment and working environments, progressing legislative reform and accelerating digital and data transformation.
Working towards the achievement of Level of Ambition 2, the Defence Forces have commenced the formulation of a Strategic Workforce Plan that will provide a roadmap for the achievement of a strength of 11,500, inclusive of a civilian component.
Last year saw a growth in numbers with 790 inductions to the Permanent Defence Force. Military authorities have advised that they are targeting 850 inductions at a minimum for 2026. Interest in a career in the Defence Forces remains notably high with further growth achieved last year in the number of applications received.
Government has introduced a range of key enabling measures to support and drive Defence Forces recruitment and retention. These include increases in the maximum ages of recruitment and retirement respectively, the extension of private secondary healthcare to all personnel and the application of the provisions of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces subject to certain exemptions.
In addition to the considerable reform of allowances in recent years, there continues to be significant progress on pay with all personnel benefiting from a pay award delivered earlier this month with a further increase due in June 2026.
Increasing the scale and numbers of civilians working within our Defence Forces, supporting Defence Force personnel in carrying out their military tasks, is absolutely essential to the growth and modernisation of the organisation. To this end, I expect to receive a Civilianisation Strategy from the Defence Forces by July of this year.
Underpinning these and other measures, Budget 2026 has provided a record allocation of €1.49 billion for Defence, an increase of almost 11%, equating to €145 million, on 2025. These funds include provision for the recruitment of a net 400 additional PDF members per annum.
Significant strides continue to be made on a number of fronts and the allocation of record levels of expenditure along with the multitude of initiatives in train is illustrative of my commitment to meaningful change in both culture and capability for the women and men of our Defence Forces.
The key actions and outcomes that I will prioritise delivery of include, among others:
• Transformative career and talent processes, and transparent promotion systems.
• Responsive and accountable Culture Surveys.
• The continued realisation of Family Friendly Policies
• Gender Perspective Policies and Actions.
The matter of flexible work practices is something I am cognisant of. Considerable organisational changes are required in the Defence Forces in order to allow for more flexible service and flexible work packages. To this end, a pilot programme to be implemented in the coming months.
