Ms Jacqui McCrum:

Salaries constitute one thing and that has been acknowledged as being substantial. That does not mean that it is perfect. There are other things we need to look at in the middle of a career. We have extended private healthcare to all enlisted ranks, which would be the majority of personnel. There is no benefit-in-kind on that. It also offers private maternity care to females should they wish for that. That is a significant benefit that has been extended. We have changed recruitment and mandatory retirement ages. In terms of the Naval Service, the Tánaiste doubled the daily patrol duty allowance. This has come into effect. Once personnel were out after ten days at sea, that increased from €59 to €131 per day. In terms of infrastructure, we have upgraded the accommodation blocks and there is a profile of that under our infrastructure plan. The gyms have been upgraded as well because being fit is part and parcel of being in the Defence Forces.