Local election candidate, Independent Councillor Paul Hogan, has welcomed the update from Minister Paschal Donoghue in relation to issues concerning remuneration, recruiting and retaining personnel in the Defence Forces.
“I recently tabled a motion requesting the Minister to address issues concerning remuneration, the retention and recruitment of personnel in the Defence Forces. I am particularly concerned that the current number of Defence Forces personnel is at 8,320. This is far below the recommended 9,500 personnel identified in the White Paper and 20 percent below the 10,500 personnel that previously existed. I highlighted issues concerning the haemorrhaging of personnel due to remuneration issues,” Cllr. Hogan noted.
The sitting Councillor further welcomed the news that the Public Service Pay Commission would complete their examination of Defence Forces recruitment and retention issues by close of June.
“Firstly, I welcome the update from Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donoghue. The Public Service Pay Commission was established to advise Government on public service remuneration policy. It was tasked with examining whether and to what extent the difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff.
“From information provided by Minister Donoghue, it is anticipated that the Commission will complete its examination of recruitment and retention issues in the Defence Forces by the end of June 2019 and I remain hopeful that the this thorough examination will make positive recommendations in relation to remuneration, retention and recruitment for the Defence Forces. This is an important issue for the military family and I welcome it’s progression,” Cllr. Hogan concluded.
