Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent)
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91. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when an improvement in the Naval Service patrol duty allowance will be implemented in accordance with the recommendations in the high-level action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10763/23]

Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent)
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As part of the Government's high-level action plan to transform our armed forces over the coming years, there was a commitment to increase the size of the patrol duty allowance for the Naval Service. I would be grateful if the Minister could update the House on where the proposal is at the moment.

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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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.

Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent)
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That is great. I thank the Minister for the reply. I accept there have been some minor improvements as part of the general public sector package, but also some specifically for the Defence Forces. I was focusing on the patrol duty allowance because it is such an important allowance given the Naval Service is in crisis from both a crewing and ships perspective. I thank the Minister for updating us on the fact there is at least some consultation going on between him and the Tánaiste. It would be useful if the Minister could provide at least a tentative timeline for when we will get a final decision. Is it possible to get an approximate date for a final decision so we can bring some certainty to proceedings?

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As I know the Deputy is aware given his involvement in these matters, we have already made three different pay actions following on from the high level action plan the Government agreed, as I said a moment ago, last summer. I am engaging with the Tánaiste on a number of these recommendations. It is difficult for me to give a timeline on that at this point because we have some further work to do, but the Tánaiste is looking at how we can promptly implement some of the important recommendations that came from last summer's plan. I am working with him on this. He has made it clear to me the urgency of these matters from a recruitment and retention point of view. I very much hear the Deputy's view on the same theme as well. All I am seeking to do, as I hope the House appreciates, and I know the Tánaiste does, is that as we move these matters forward, we do so in a way that is fair to all public servants and that is affordable. As I said, I am aware of these matters and am working closely with the Tánaiste on them.

Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent)
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I entirely agree with the Minister that we must be prudent and responsible across the entire public sector. An aspect of this worth highlighting is this would be an earned allowance rather than just a basic pay improvement. It would be like overtime, so the member would have to work longer and harder to get it. I hope the Minister can take that into consideration. I accept the Government's bona fides that it has agreed in principal to increase the patrol duty allowance. The two matters that remain to be answered are the quantum of the increase and when it will be implemented. I would be grateful if the Minister could use his good offices to expedite that as soon as possible.

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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They are indeed two significant matters and I can understand why the Deputy is pressing them with me. He is 100% correct this is an earned allowance. Activity is taken, in return for which the allowance will be made available. However, the Deputy will be aware such allowances are not unique to the Defence Forces, despite the extraordinary work they do. We have similar allowances in place across other elements of our public and Civil Service. To reiterate the point I made to the Deputy, I appreciate the importance of this issue. I am aware of the recruitment and retention challenges for our Defence Forces and especially our Naval Service. I thank the Deputy for raising it and will take on board his points.

When I am on my feet with a few seconds left, I wish to add a word of recognition on my own behalf of the extraordinary efforts and professionalism from our public servants in Wexford last night. Many of our front-line personnel were dealing with a very difficult and risky situation and yet again they rose to the challenge with great professionalism and courage. We are all grateful to them.