'Astronomically high vacancy numbers' due to Defence Forces underinvestment

More than 100 delegates representing the army, naval service, and air corps, will debate a record 70-plus motions at the PDForra conference this week. File picture: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews

Years of underinvestment in the Defence Forces have resulted in “astronomically high vacancy numbers” that are only beginning to be filled.

However, this is taking place against the backdrop of calls for increased Defence Forces numbers, arising from recommendations in the Commission on the Defence Forces report. 

That is according to Aaron Kearney, president of PDForra, the Defence Forces’ largest representative association. 

He said that, in real terms, the proposals mean personnel levels are “only staying static". 

PDForra’s annual delegate conference will get under way in Westport, Co Mayo, on Tuesday and continue until Thursday.

Mr Kearney said the issue of retention will be raised, with experienced personnel continuing to leave in large numbers for better pay and conditions in the private sector.

More than 100 delegates representing the army, naval service, and air corps, will debate a record 70-plus motions.

Working Time Directive among issues 

They include calls for faster implementation of agreements on the Working Time Directive, as well as premium payments for members of units where staffing levels fall below 70%. 

The payments would apply when personnel are required to take on greater responsibility by acting up, often while working longer hours to plug staffing gaps.

Delegates will also call for the findings of the European Social Rights Committee to be implemented, after it found that Ireland is in breach of its obligation to provide Defence Forces personnel with adequate remuneration for working on public holidays. 

“While advances had been made by PDForra in recent years regarding the application of the Working Time Directive, pay, contracts, and health care, more is needed to be done in order to firm up on them,” Mr Kearney said.

Specialist personnel in short supply 

Many of the motions call for increased allowances for specialist personnel, many of whom are in short supply because their high‑level skills are attracting them to the private sector for far better pay

There are gaps in these specialist roles across the Defence Forces, but particularly in the navy and air corps.

Defence minister to address conference

Defence minister Helen McEntee will address the PDForra conference on Wednesday for the first time since being appointed to the portfolio. 

The same day it will also be addressed by the Deputy Chief of Staff Brigadier General Colm Ó Luasa. Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy is unavailable due to European commitments.

• Sean O’Riordan, Defence Correspondent