Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

715. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to improve pay levels for new recruits to the Permanent Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7456/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Rates of remuneration and conditions of employment in the Irish public sector have traditionally been set by reference to relative levels of pay across the various sectors of the Irish public sector. You will be aware that the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts of 2009-2015 and the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2018 (Lansdowne Road Agreement) currently define the pay policy for public servants. I can advise that PDFORRA (Representative Association) have yet to ballot their members in relation to the terms of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2018 (Lansdowne Road Agreement).

I am advised that PDFORRA raised a number of issues on which it sought clarification in advance of balloting its members on the agreement. These are issues of interpretation and technical issues on the savings to be achieved through the agreement rather than substantive issues of principle.

I can confirm that PDFORRA members are complying fully with all of their obligations under the public service pay agreements and the commitments they entered into in those agreements.  PDFORRA has not repudiated the LRA.

Officials from my Department and PDFORRA are actively working through these issues in a very positive and collaborative process within the C and A Scheme. As the outstanding issues are currently being resolved within the Department of Defence Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.

In terms of remuneration going forward, the new Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC), announced by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, has been tasked with providing objective analysis and advice on the most appropriate pay levels for the public service, including the Defence Forces.