271. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Defence the steps she is taking to improve retention in the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55990/26]

As the Deputy will be aware, there are multiple factors that influence retention levels and this is broadly experienced across all militaries internationally. That said, I am pleased to say that actions taken to date are having a measurable impact on stabilisation efforts.

Turnover levels in the Permanent Defence Force are carefully monitored and data provided by the Defence Forces indicates that turnover rates have reduced over the last two years with a turnover rate of approximately 7.6% in 2025. This compares favourably with militaries internationally where annual attrition rates of 8 to 12 per cent are typical.

The objective is to keep attrition as low as reasonably practicable while maintaining operational capability.

Several measures are being implemented to mitigate attrition and strengthen workforce stability including increases in the maximum ages for recruitment and retirement, the extension of private secondary healthcare to all personnel, the application of the provisions of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces, subject to certain exemptions, increases to the Patrol Duty Allowance payable to Naval Service personnel at sea, and the extension of the Naval Service Tax Credit to 2029.

A draft Strategic Workforce Plan prepared by the Defence Forces has been submitted to me for consideration. The draft plan sets out a roadmap for building and sustaining the future workforce. As the Deputy will be aware, the aim of this process is to provide a pathway to the achievement of a strength of 11,500, inclusive of civilian personnel, commensurate with Level of Ambition 2.

In addition, Local Bargaining measures are being introduced to support initiatives to improve retention in key capability areas. Over the 2026-2030 timeframe of the Defence NDP, I have committed €400 million in funding for infrastructural investment, a level of funding which will deliver enhanced accommodation, offices, gyms etc to military installations nationwide, together with more targeted investment on the development of specific requirements such as aircraft hangars and naval berthage capacity.

I want to reassure the Deputy that stabilising the numbers of Defence Force personnel and facilitating the capacity for further increases is a key priority for me as Minister for Defence.