Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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31. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his Department’s assessment of the report of the public sector pay commission; the implications for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23565/17]

Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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What is the Minister of State's assessment of the report of the Public Sector Pay Commission and its implications for the Defence Forces? Will the Minister of State make a statement on this?

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware the Pay Commission report was only published last week and contains a comprehensive and detailed analysis of pay and pensions issues in the public sector and notably addresses issues surrounding recruitment and retention. I can assure the Deputy that my Department is acutely aware of the commission's findings.

The Deputy may wish to note that my Department made a detailed submission to the commission setting out these very matters and this is specifically referred to by the commission in paragraph 6.13 of its report. In keeping with the Government's commitment to openness and transparency, the commission will be making all of its submissions and inputs publicly available on its website. Pending publication of same and in light of the anticipated forthcoming negotiations I am not in a position to disclose further specific details of the Department's submission.

In the context of the Defence Forces, I note that the commission in paragraph 6.29 accepts that there are challenges surrounding the recruitment and retention of personnel in specialist streams such as information and communication technology, ICT, pilots and avionic technicians. The commission also stated that while remuneration is important in this regard there are other significant factors at play such as working environment, career advancement, etc.

As recognised by the commission its findings are matters to be addressed as part of the collective bargaining process. It is Government's intention to invite all stakeholders to commence negotiations shortly and this invitation will include the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association, PDFORRA, and the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, RACO.

Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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It is telling that the commission report singled out the Defence Forces and highlighted what we already knew, that we have a difficulty attracting people, including skilled personnel, and retaining them. The report found some evidence of specific difficulties in recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces, particularly in recruiting doctors, marine engineers, engineers and in retaining specialists and experienced personnel in engineering, ICT, pilots, avionic technicians and air traffic controllers. We are all very aware of the shortages, particularly in the Air Corps as the next priority question based on a memorandum from the general officer commanding the Air Corps, shows. Did the Department supply that memorandum to the commission? It would have been very useful information for it to have.

The submission from the Department of Defence and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform accepted that the Defence Forces are experiencing a significant exit of trained and experienced personnel due to the improving economy and the increased opportunities available to further develop their career and to achieve higher levels of salary and remuneration than that available within the service and to benefit from better overall terms and conditions. The Minister of State correctly points out that it is not just a question of pay but also career advancement, job satisfaction, being appreciated, valued and working in an environment that is fit for purpose and recognising the value of people. Those are the things that are lacking.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Having read the document on the report of the Public Service Pay Commission published last week I have no doubt that it addresses the needs and concerns of the Defence Forces. Anyone who has read the report will recognise that they are covered comprehensively. I agree with the Deputy this is not just about pay but there are several issues concerning retention in this document.

As I stated in my first reply the Department, under my direction and in accordance with the required protocols, submitted observations to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for its consideration and onward transmission to the commission, which has reported. It considered the submission by the Department, PDFORRA and RACO. The Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces spoke to me about several of the concerns brought to his attention by the members which he brought to my attention and I have also spoken to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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In the context of public sector pay we have to be able to compete on some level internationally. The pay and salary of serving members are important. When one in five families in the Defence Forces receives family income supplement, FIS, we know that we need to address this shortage. We all want Defence Forces that are fit for purpose. Will the Minister of State commit his Department to seeking a special incentive in this regard? This report gives the Minister of State and his Department significant leverage with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in the upcoming discussions. On page 57 of the report there are tables showing the attrition rates within the defence sector. In quarter 4 of 2008 there were over 11,000 working in the defence sector but by the end of quarter 4 in 2016 that figure was down 13%, a huge decrease. While working conditions, career enhancement and development are vitally important and we can address those matters internally, the pay element is hugely important. In the upcoming negotiations it is up to the Minister of State and his Department to make the strongest case possible for increased salaries across the board.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy can rest assured that I will be making the strongest case possible as I have done to date. I spoke at length yesterday at Cabinet on this and personally to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. This is part two of the replacement of the Lansdowne Road agreement. It is up for the public pay talks. PDFORRA and RACO will be invited to those talks where they can put their case. I will continue to make the case heard for the Irish Defence Forces. There are 57,000 families supported through FIS, not just in the Irish Defence Forces but across a variety of other sectors. That is why the FIS was put in place, to support families who are not earning enough to support themselves. Over 9,000 people applied recently when the Defence Forces advertised to recruit enlisted personnel and cadets. There are many young, energetic men and women willing and able to join the Irish Defence Forces.