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The Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney T.D., today 13th of April 2016 announced the launch of a new recruitment campaign for enlisted personnel in the Permanent Defence Forces.

The Defence Forces plan to induct just over 600 general service personnel to the Permanent Defence Force in 2016 and a further 850 personnel in 2017. In launching the recruitment campaign today, the Minister stated: “This planned recruitment over 2016/17 will enable us to rejuvenate our Defence Forces with the induction of young, enthusiastic and committed men and women. The Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel and this current campaign will enable us to do that”.
The new recruitment campaign is designed to attract enthusiastic and committed men and women from all backgrounds and ethnicities to a career in the Defence Forces. “With the changes in the makeup of Ireland’s population, it is important that we raise awareness and attract recruits from all backgrounds, so that our Defence Forces reflect the society that they serve”.
The 2016 campaign will specifically target increased female recruitment using social media channels, digital advertisements and the introduction information programmes for women. “Currently just over 6% of our personnel are women and, in the White Paper, the Government undertook to increase female participation at all ranks. I am committed to achieving that and the recruitment campaign we are launching today represents the first step on that journey”, the Minister said.
It is also proposed to continue with outreach initiatives established in 2014/2015 which seeks to engage with minority communities and new citizens. These measures include Defence Forces presence at citizenship days and direct contact with community groups in order to raise awareness of the Defence Forces and highlight career opportunities. Initiatives established in 2014/2015 continue to develop through active engagement with organisations such as GLEN (Gay, Lesbian, Equality Network) in order to promote the Defence Forces as an employer.
“The Defence Forces is committed to full equality among all its personnel irrespective of gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation. I would encourage anyone who has an interest in serving in the Armed Forces to go online to the Defence Forces Website or to contact their local barracks to get further information. Anybody who satisfies the entry criteria and is interested in a challenging, rewarding and fulfilling career in one of Europe’s most modern military forces is invited to apply to join the team”, the Minister said.
Applicants for recruitment to the Permanent Defence Forces will be required to complete physical fitness and interview assessments. The recruitment competitions will be run through a centralised online application system on the Defence Forces Website www.military.ie.
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ENDS

Note for Editors

Further information on service in the Irish Defence Forces can be found on the Defence Forces Website www.military.ie or through their social media platforms on Twitter and Facebook.