Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

They are being addressed as we speak. Much of the high-level implementation plan has been and continues to be implemented but it is true that some elements still remain. We are keeping a channel of communication open with the representative bodies within the Defence Forces, that is, PDFORRA and the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, RACO, to make sure they understand the timelines around implementation. There have been some delays, primarily due to Covid, but I assure the Deputy there is no resistance in the Department to implementing those recommendations in full.

On technical pay, there is a particular issue around allowances for certain technical positions within the Defence Forces across the Air Corps, Naval Service and Army. We are anxious to progress that as soon as we can and it will be raised in the context of the public sector pay talks. There is a lot going on. This morning I had a discussion with the Secretary General of the Department of Defence about progressing the commitments and recommendations within the White Paper on defence that still need to be progressed. There is much happening in this space. I assure the Deputy that we are absolutely committed to moving these things forward.

See this speech in context