Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government is acutely aware of the needs in the Defence Forces. That is why the general pay round made provision for a 7% increase with particular emphasis on increases for the lower-paid. Above and beyond that, the Public Service Pay Commission examination was established, recognising the particular difficulties in the Defence Forces.

While I will not repeat them, significant changes have been introduced and they have been accepted by RACO. That provides the basis for moving forward in this area. As there is a detailed implementation plan, people know where they stand in terms of the delivery in this area.

The Deputy must be aware that the Minister for Finance and for Public Expenditure and Reform, when he comes here to the House in a couple of weeks' time, must balance all of the different issues such as the demands for additional pay, the demands for additional services, the pressure on infrastructure and the uncertainties we face internationally. The challenge the Minister faces is to balance those in an equitable way. In fairness, the Minister has sought to do that. He sought to have flexibility within those mechanisms to deal with issues, such as the Defence Forces. That is the basis on which to move forward. I hope we can use this agreement to advance the interests of the Defence Forces.

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