Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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732. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department is reviewing the pay structure of members of the Permanent Defence Force (details supplied); if he will address the matter in order to ensure Defence Forces members are appropriately remunerated for their roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50280/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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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. Like other areas within the Public Service, the pay of the Permanent Defence Force was reduced during the financial crisis. The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts of 2009-2015 (FEMPI) and the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2018 (Lansdowne Road Agreement) define current pay policy. PDFORRA signed up to the Lansdowne Road Agreement in March 2017. The finalisation of negotiations under the agreement allowed for the commencement of the process for the implementation of pay increases and arrears, which have now been applied to the Permanent Defence Force. An increase of 2.5% from 1 January 2016, for annualised salaries up to €24,000 and 1% for annualised salaries between €24,001 and €31,000 was included in the weekly payroll of 5 July 2017. An increase of €1,000 from 1 April 2017 on annualised salaries up to €65,000 per annum was paid on 19 July 2017.

The pay of general service recruits and privates who joined the Permanent Defence Force post 1 January 2013 has been increased further following an agreement, facilitated by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), between the Department of Defence, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and PDFORRA. These improved payscales, have been backdated to 1 July 2016. The payments were made to relevant personnel on 30 August 2017.

Going forward, there is the potential for further increases arising from the recent negotiations on the extension to the Lansdowne Road Agreement. The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 contains proposals for:

- a 7.25% increase over the period of the agreement for those earning less than €30,000 per annum 

- a 6.75% increase over the period of the agreement for those earning between €30,001 and €32,000 per annum, and

- a 5.75% increase over the period of the agreement for those earning over €32,000 per annum. 

The Government recognises the contribution made by all public servants, including members of the Permanent Defence Force, during the economic crisis, to restoring our public finances and getting the country back on track. In making these improvements, the Government is ensuring that the increases are weighted in favour of those on lower pay.

Under the provisions of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Bill 2017, which is currently before the Oireachtas, it is anticipated that, between 2018 and 2020, the pay of all public servants (including members of the Defence Forces) earning under €70,000 will be restored to pre FEMPI levels.

The proposals have been presented to the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations who participated in the negotiation process. They are subject to ballot by members of the Associations.

Future remuneration of Defence Forces personnel will continue to be dealt with within this collective process.

The Public Service Pay and Pensions Bill 2017 which provides for restoration of pay also provides for the restoration of the 5% reduction in allowances under FEMPI. The restoration of Defence Force Allowances which were reduced under the Haddington Road Agreement are currently the subject of separate negotiations under the Conciliation & Arbitration Scheme.

In relation to contracts for enlisted personnel, I have directed civil and military management to initiate a broad view and to bring forward recommendations for my consideration.