19. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of additional members expected to be recruited to the Defence Forces in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42005/24]

20. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current status and future plans for the Defence Forces’ recruitment and retention strategy, particularly in light of recent reports indicating significant personnel shortages, and given the critical role of the Defence Forces in ensuring national security and fulfilling international obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41979/24]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 20 together.

As I informed Deputies earlier, the military authorities have advised that as at 31 August 2024, the latest date for which such data is available, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,426 personnel.

In terms of recruitment targets and plans for 2025, Budget 2025 has provided a record €1.35 billion for the Defence Sector- an increase of €100 million. This allocation provides for the recruitment of a net additional 400 personnel per annum. My instruction to the military authorities to increase their recruitment targets beyond those they had originally projected for 2024, has yielded positive results and I would expect this momentum to be maintained in 2025 and beyond. The latest strength figure reveals a net month-on-month increase of 105.

Further encouraging trends are seen in the number of inductions, which at the end of September

stood at 494, exceeding the total number for last year. The military authorities advise that they plan to have a further 250 further inductions before the end of the year. The number of discharges is down year-on-year and at 443 to the end of August, shows a reduction of 35 when compared to the same period last year. Interest in a career in the Defence Forces continues to rise with in excess of 10,000 applications received across all competitions as of 30 September 2024. This exceeds the total number received in 2023.

I have previously acknowledged challenges facing recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces and to address these I have introduced a number of measures. These include an increase in recruitment age to 39 years for those roles that had a recruitment age below that, and to 50 years for Direct Entry Specialists. The mandatory retirement age has been increased to 62. Private secondary healthcare has been rolled out to all PDF members. The Patrol Duty allowance payable to Naval Service personnel at sea has been doubled, and the Naval Service tax credit has been extended for a further five years.

There has also been significant progress on pay with new recruits starting on €40,297, school leaver Cadets starting on €44,216 upon commissioning, and €49,552 upon commissioning for graduate Cadets.

In conclusion, I wish to state clearly that Government is committed to retaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas. I can confirm that the Defence Forces keep their operational plans and response capabilities for dealing with a wide range of threats and emergencies under constant review.