Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As part of budget 2019, the Government has provided a funding envelope for Defence of €1.007 billion, an increase of €60 million, or 6.4%, over 2018. This emphasises the importance attached by the Government to ensuring that the Defence Forces have the resources necessary to deliver on all roles assigned by Government, at home and overseas. The 2019 provision comprises €758 million for Vote 36 - Defence, an increase of more than €50 million, and €249 million for Vote 35 - Army Pensions, an increase of €10 million.

Overall, approximately 77% of the defence sector provision relates to pay and pensions. The 2019 provision for pay in Vote 36 is €529 million, and this provides for the pay and allowances of more than 10,400 public service employees, including 9,500 Permanent Defence Force personnel, 550 civilian employees and 355 civil servants. The Government has ensured that full funding has been provided for 2019 for the target strength for the Permanent Defence Force of 9,500.

Pay is being restored to members of the Defence Forces and other public servants in accordance with public sector pay agreements. The focus of these increases is weighted in favour of those on lower pay. Following the increases paid under the Lansdowne Road agreement, further increases were paid in 2018 under the Public Sector Stability Agreement 2018-2020, with additional increases due in 2019. The allocation includes €6.3 million to meet the additional commitments for 2019. Further increases in pay are scheduled for 2020.

In accordance with the provisions of Public Services Stability Agreement 2018-2020, the Government has tasked the Public Service Pay Commission with conducting a more comprehensive examination of recruitment and retention challenges in the defence sector. The work of the commission is ongoing. The Government will give due consideration to the findings and recommendations that arise from the work of the commission.

The non-pay allocation, including capital, for Vote 36 in 2019 is €229 million and this provides for essential and ongoing Defence Forces standing and operational costs as well as the provision of essential procurement and upgrading of defensive equipment and infrastructure.

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