Defence | Replacing and Filling Vacant Positions in the Defence Force

QUESTION
To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which retirements and resignations in the Defence Forces have been replaced with a view to ensuring an adequate management structure throughout; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of current vacant promotional positions waiting to be filled throughout the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY
The number of personnel inducted and departing varies from year to year. The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services.
As at 31 January 2024, the latest date for which such figures are available, there were 1,112 positions that could be filled in line with promotional arrangements and, in certain cases, by Direct Entry recruitment.  
I have previously acknowledged there are staffing challenges in the Defence Forces and the problem is most acute in the enlisted ranks, as Officer ranks are close to establishment strength. I have instructed the military authorities that additional enlisted personnel and Cadets be recruited in 2024. An allocation of €1.23 billion for the Defence Sector in Budget 2024, which includes a provision for the recruitment and training of at least a net additional 400 enlisted personnel in 2024, will assist in this regard.
There are currently a number of recruitment and retention initiatives underway to increase capacity. An example includes the recent increase in the maximum retirement age for PDF personnel to 60 years. This retention measure also facilitates an increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 years for General Service Recruits, Cadets and certain specialists with effect from 29 March 2024.  

My immediate focus remains on stabilising the numbers of personnel, and to facilitate capacity for further increase.