Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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77. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he and his officials are concerned regarding the depletion of the number of members of the Defence Forces. [37690/19]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I have previously acknowledged that there are recruitment and retention issues in the Defence Forces. This is reflective of the current buoyant economic environment and jobs market. I brought these issues to the attention of the Public Service Pay Commission who recently produced their report. 

The Commission’s recommendations have been accepted by Government and an implementation plan has been published. This is being progressed as a matter of priority. The Government remains committed to restoring the Permanent Defence to a strength of 9,500 personnel.