Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Public Service Pay Commission was established to provide objective advice to the Government on public service remuneration policy. In 2017, under my direction, the Department of Defence brought issues of recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces to the attention of the Public Service Pay Commission. As a result of that initiative, the commission is now beginning and in-depth and advanced examination of these issues. In 2018, the average earnings for enlisted personnel were: €37,529 for a three-star private; €41,076 for a corporal; €44,622 for a sergeant; €49,605 for a company quartermaster sergeant; €53,606 for a battalion quartermaster sergeant; €54,817 for a sergeant major. The Department of Defence has provided data as requested to the Public Service Pay Commission for its consideration. This was sourced by the civil and military working group. The commission's work is ongoing. I am aware it has surveyed some members of the Defence Forces and interviewed them face to face regarding pay and conditions.

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