Brendan Ryan (Dublin Fingal, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As I have noted during every Question Time on defence, the wages of Defence Forces personnel are far below what they should be, with some members being paid close to minimum wage for work that is deserving of much more, as it requires great discipline and sacrifice from both the personnel and their loved ones. I have brought this issue up multiple times and will continue to do so until members of the Defence Forces are given the respect they deserve, which is indicated by how they are paid and their conditions of employment.

The findings of the study undertaken by the Public Service Pay Commission a few months ago conclude that the Defence Forces are at a critical juncture. It is stated that the findings presented intimate that without immediate and substantial intervention, particularly in respect of pay, allowances and pension entitlements, the organisation may, within a short time, face major difficulties in maintaining its personnel establishment and in carrying out its mandate. Due to its terms of reference, the commission was precluded from dealing with aspects of core pay but it would have been interesting to hear its thoughts on that subject. I am sure it would have had something to say.

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