Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are acutely aware of the situation facing the Naval Service with respect to staff numbers. A number of initiatives have been taken, including increasing the pay rates significantly compared with previous rates. Current pay rates in the first three years of service, including military service allowances, for the rank of private, three-star able seaman start at €37,147 in year 1 and rise to €38,544 in year 2 and close to €40,000 in year 3 of service. On commissioning, graduate cadets starts on a pay scale, which includes military service allowance, that ranges from €46,406 to €54,696 depending on the type of appointment. School-leaver cadets start at €41,123 while in full-time education. These rates compare favourably with the starting pay in other areas of the public service. That must be said and at some stage it must also be acknowledged. Much more needs to be done and we are doing that as well in looking at allowances and so on.

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