Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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54. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps being taken to ensure better pay and working conditions for members of the Defence Forces; the further steps being taken to ensure appropriate supports are available to current and former members of the Defence Forces that may be experiencing financial difficulties; if he is satisfied that current recruitment methods are sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27749/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Rates of pay and conditions of employment in the Defence Forces have traditionally been set by reference to, inter alia, relative levels of pay across the various sectors of the Irish public service. Defence Forces pay is increasing in line with recent public sector pay agreements.

 Members of the Defence Forces received pay increases in pay in 2017 under the Lansdowne Road Agreement. In addition, in a deal agreed with PDFORRA, improved pay scales were implemented for general service recruits and privates who joined the Permanent Defence Force post 1 January 2013. 

 The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, which was considered and accepted by the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations, provides for further increases in pay, ranging from 6.2% to 7.4% over the lifetime of the Agreement, with the focus of the agreement once again being on the lower paid.

The Defence Forces offer competitive starting salaries and excellent career opportunities for any young person thinking about joining. Following the series of pay increases in the last 12 months, a three star private on completion of training starts on €27,257 (inclusive of military service allowance). This represents an increase of 25% on the starting pay scale of this rank in the last 12 months. This starting pay compares very favourably with other entry level pay rates across the public service.

A newly commissioned officer starts on a salary in excess of €35,000 per annum (inclusive of military service allowance), following 15 months training. If officers are already graduates they start on a salary in excess of €40,000 per annum (inclusive of military service allowance). These rates of pay compare favourably with the average graduate salary across all sectors.

Recruitment methods are kept under ongoing review and I receive regular briefings on progress against plans from my Officials and the Defence Forces. I have directed that options be developed to provide for re-entry of former members of the Permanent Defence Force to fill gaps in specialist positions. I have also directed that options for greater use of direct entry for specialist posts should also be developed.

The Government recognises the valued public service given by former servicemen and women of the Defence Forces to the State. As such, officials from my Department hold regular meetings with recognised veterans' organisations including the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (O.N.E.), at which issues of concern to their members are discussed. This organisation provides tremendous support to assist former members of the Defence Forces who may have fallen on hard times.  

I will be attending the launch of O.N.E's annual Fuchsia fundraising appeal tomorrow (27 June 2018).