Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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102. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of personnel who have left the Naval Service to join the private sector since 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28234/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The military authorities have provided the following details in respect of Naval Service personnel who have discharged between 2020 and 2024 (as at 31 May 2024).

The above includes all personnel who discharged, regardless of the reason. Personnel discharge for a variety of reasons, such as on age grounds, at their own request, at the end of contract etc. There is no obligation on departing personnel to inform the Defence Forces if they are taking up an employment in the private sector.

A high percentage of personnel who leave the Defence Forces do so with some form of pension. This can make taking up a position in the private sector very attractive, where a full-time position, could lead to an increase in an individual’s earnings.

I have fully acknowledged the current staffing challenges in the Naval Service and in the wider Defence Forces, and work is ongoing to counter these. A range of recruitment measures, along with financial and non-financial retention incentives which include significant progress on pay and allowances, have been implemented to address such challenges.