Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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78. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has made a submission to the Public Service Pay Commission; and if not, the reason for the delay in making this submission. [40031/18]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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82. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of submissions relating to his Department made to the Public Service Pay Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39924/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 82 together.

The Public Service Pay Commission was established to provide objective advice to Government in relation to Public Service remuneration policy. In 2017, under my direction, the Department of Defence brought issues of recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces to the attention of the Public Sector Pay Commission (PSPC). As a direct result of that initiative the PSPC is now beginning an in-depth evidence based examination of those issues.

The Department of Defence has provided data as requested by the PSPC, for consideration. This data was sourced by a civil-military working group. The Commission's work is ongoing and I am aware that the Commission has surveyed certain members of the Defence Forces. It was assisted in this regard my military management.

My Department will continue to engage with PSPC throughout the process and due consideration will be given to the findings and recommendations that arise from the work of the Commission.