Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to clarify that this will apply for the minimum of 80 days that have been spent at sea on a naval vessel in 2019 and the amendment will allow the relief to be claimed for next year. On the Deputy's question regarding why this is being introduced as a temporary measure, the reason is that I anticipate, in the discussions following the conclusion of the public service stability wage agreement and regarding the recommendations from the Public Service Pay Commission report on our Defence Forces, that other options will be considered that can take the place of this measure.

I am aware of the difficulties with recruitment and retention faced by certain sections of our Defence Forces. I also place great value on the difficult and challenging work that our Defence Forces carry out at times. The Deputy will also be aware, however, of some changes we have made in pay for members of the Defence Forces. Those changes apply only to members of the Defence Forces and that recognises the demands those personnel face and the need of the Defence Forces to recruit and retain staff.

I will conclude with two brief points. Many of the issues referred to by Deputy Michael McGrath are a consequence of how well the wider employment market is going and the indirect demands that places on our Defence Forces. That is also the reason we did so much work through the Public Service Pay Commission. I am aware that once defence capacity becomes depleted, it can take a lot of time and expense to rebuild it.

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