Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I have been less than two years in this portfolio but recruitment is stabilising and turning a corner, with a narrowing of the gap, and this year may see the first time there will not be a net reduction. The figure is currently 7,426. We have looked at all the recruitment methodologies. We were not satisfied with them or the manner in which people were being recruited, and we have changed that. We have introduced a lot of reforms on the recruitment side. We want to convert more people who show an interest in joining into inductions, and a lot of work is being done in that regard. We are also increasing capacity in training and improving the situation relating to instruction.

The Deputy should not underestimate the retention issue. He is saying it is not an issue at all but it was an issue, and everybody cited it as such, including the Deputy for the past two years. Likewise, all the representative organisations cited the need to extend the retirement age to 62, which is what I managed to get done. The need for that change had been around for years but could not get done. I got it done very substantially and that will help retention figures. There is a further issue, relating to broader pension entitlements, which is not specific to the Defence Forces but applies to the entire public service.

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