Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, I recognise that we do have challenges at officer level, specifically at the ranks of lieutenant and captain. There were, however, increases in the cadet classes in 2016 and 2017 and I am committed to continuing to have large intakes of cadets because it is the only way in which we can address the challenges we have at officer level. I do not want to stop officers going overseas or availing of further education. It is very important that they upskill themselves in that way. There are a number of areas in which we are trying to address challenges through the Public Sector Pay Commission next year. Civil staff, the military and the representative associations will be looking at specialist pay. That was highlighted in the report of the Public Service Pay Commission in May 2017. It highlighted that there were challenges in the Defence Forces. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe, has stated that specialist pay negotiations with the Public Service Pay Commission will include certain areas in the health sector and the Defence Forces. They are two priority areas for the Minister and for the commission.

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