Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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834. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel whose homes have been repossessed in the past five years; and his views on the difficulties faced by military personnel whose poor credit rating and reliance on moneylenders can be directly attributed to cuts in pay and entitlements. [9625/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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My Department does not hold information in relation to the number of Defence Forces personnel whose homes have been repossessed in the past five years or hold information in relation to the credit ratings of Defence Forces personnel as these would be a private matters between the individual and the relevant financial institution. The Government is however making every effort, within available resources, to support all those who face hardship. In addition, there are various schemes in place through the Department of Social Protection, including Family Income Supplement, to support those on low incomes. The important thing is that, despite the difficult economic environment we have witnessed over the last few years, the Government has maintained these important safety nets for families who by virtue of their particular circumstances require financial support.

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.