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

As the Deputy will be aware, these are matters first and foremost for my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, to be consistent with the answer I have just given to Deputy Mairéad Farrell. However, I will certainly address the Deputy's question from the perspective of my own Department.

A series of enhancements to pay and terms have been introduced for the Defence Forces in recent years, including, for example, enhancements arising from recommendations of the Public Service Pay Commission in 2019.

Specific improvements and incentives for Naval Service personnel have also been approved in recent years. These include the introduction of a seagoing commitment scheme and a seagoing tax credit scheme. More generally, members of the Naval Service also benefit from the terms of the public service pay agreements. These are three additional pay adjustments totalling 6.5% over this year and last. As I said to Deputy Mairéad Farrell, the extension in place acknowledges the higher than anticipated rates of inflation that have emerged since 2021.

Deputy Berry referenced the high level action plan and the patrol duty allowance. This allowance was referenced in that plan, which was agreed by the Government last July. I am working with the Tánaiste to understand how we will be able to progress work on a number of different elements within that plan.

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