Catherine Callaghan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the lieutenant colonels for attending. Given the value of the witnesses' expertise, I will concentrate on the questions I have previously asked. This is my third time in the committee asking these questions. My questions focus on recruitment, retention and looking after our veterans in terms of issues such as pay and conditions.

My first question relates to recruitment and cadet pay. When a cadet joins, he or she is on approximately €25,000. I am rounding up the figures. The first part of their cadetship during the military part in the Military College is up to the standard of a three-star private. A three-star private is quite rightly paid in excess of €40,000 to €41,000 after six months, but the cadet is not getting remunerated in the same way. I put the point that this did not seem fair and equitable to the Minister of State at the Department of Defence, who was before the Select Committee on Defence and National Security last week. The response I have received from the Department of Defence, and I would like the witnesses' opinions on this, is that all of the cadetships are already fulfilled and there is no problem recruiting cadets. It is unfair, however. I understand there has been a business case with the Department since 2024. What is the response on that?