Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware the Pay Commission report was only published last week and contains a comprehensive and detailed analysis of pay and pensions issues in the public sector and notably addresses issues surrounding recruitment and retention. I can assure the Deputy that my Department is acutely aware of the commission's findings.

The Deputy may wish to note that my Department made a detailed submission to the commission setting out these very matters and this is specifically referred to by the commission in paragraph 6.13 of its report. In keeping with the Government's commitment to openness and transparency, the commission will be making all of its submissions and inputs publicly available on its website. Pending publication of same and in light of the anticipated forthcoming negotiations I am not in a position to disclose further specific details of the Department's submission.

In the context of the Defence Forces, I note that the commission in paragraph 6.29 accepts that there are challenges surrounding the recruitment and retention of personnel in specialist streams such as information and communication technology, ICT, pilots and avionic technicians. The commission also stated that while remuneration is important in this regard there are other significant factors at play such as working environment, career advancement, etc.

As recognised by the commission its findings are matters to be addressed as part of the collective bargaining process. It is Government's intention to invite all stakeholders to commence negotiations shortly and this invitation will include the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association, PDFORRA, and the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, RACO.

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