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

To conclude my initial response, much progress has been achieved since the commission’s report was published. The high level action plan identified the recruitment, through an open process, for the new senior-level civilian positions of head of transformation and head of strategic human resources for the Defence Forces as necessary early actions. Appointments have now been made to these positions. A number of the recommendations that have been implemented to date have had a significant impact. We recently announced new changes to the existing Naval Service allowances, as a means of simplifying current structures, by consolidating the daily allowance and the sea-going commitment scheme into one enhanced allowance. This is in line with the Commission on the Defence Forces recommendation to replace existing sea-going allowances with less complex measures. The sea-going commitment scheme was abolished from the end of 2023. Specifically, the current patrol duty allowance paid to Naval Service personnel will be doubled after ten days at sea. This measure has taken effect from 1 January 2024 and will result in the daily rate increasing from €64.67 to €129.24 for an officer, and from €64.27 to €128.54 for an enlisted person, after ten days at sea. In addition to this, healthcare afforded to officer ranks has been extended to enlisted ranks. Secondary healthcare is being provided to all enlisted personnel. Personnel of private 3 star-able seaman rank are now paid the full rate of military service allowance applicable to the rank and the requirement for that cohort to mark time for the first three years at that rank has been removed.

There is a lot more here that I can submit to the House.

See this speech in context