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

On pay, I said in reply to an earlier question, there has been significant progress on pay for new recruits. Current pay rates, including military service allowances for recruits on completion of their training, start at €37,147 in year 1, rising to €38,544 in year 2 and €39,832 in year 3 of service. A school-leaver cadet, on commissioning, is paid €41,123. After two years, they are promoted to lieutenant and their pay rises to €46,406. Where a graduate joins, the pay rate on commissioning begins at €46,406. They are significant improvements on what went before.

We have recently outlined free private care for all enlisted personnel, which is a significant additional boost to members of our Defence Forces. Under the next national pay round, we will raise issues pertaining to the Defence Forces.

We have invested significantly in accommodation. I have made it clear I want a significant programme of investment in accommodation, as well as a better design. What happened in Haulbowline was excellent. There was some very good work on Haulbowline Naval Service headquarters. I believe all existing facilities or accommodation that went into dereliction or disuse should be restored and refurbished and have given instructions in that respect to our Defence Forces. Much of the accommodation is for those in training, induction, courses and programmes but I am anxious that we would do high quality accommodation into the future. There is a programme there in all barracks. I visited more or less all barracks with a view to looking at existing facilities. It is all to improve the environment for those working in our Defence Forces. I have given instructions in respect of negotiations on the organisation of working time directive. Good progress has been made in the last month and I want to see that brought to a conclusion. That is important as well.

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