Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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201. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will align Reservist pay with the Permanent Defence Forces first point of the scale under the new 2020 public sector pay deal; if so, the estimated cost of this alignment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37435/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The rates of pay for members of the RDF is calculated in line with the rates of pay for members of the PDF. As per Defence Force Regulations, the rate of pay for the RDF is linked with first point of the scale of the rate of pay for the PDF. 

Prior to the Financial Emergency, the pay scales applying to the PDF also applied to the RDF. Under FEMPI measures, the pay cuts that applied to the PDF also applied to the RDF. An additional 10% reduction applied to the rate of paid training for members of the RDF, as per the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) – 2013-2016 (Haddington Road Agreement) in May 2013.  

The restoration of pay for Public Servants, including for members of the Defence Forces, has been conducted in accordance with PSSA 2013 - 2018 and PSSA 2018 – 2020, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. However, the additional 10% reduction under the Haddington Road Agreement is not included in these restorations and measures to address this are under consideration.  

The information requested by the Deputy on an estimation of the cost of this pay alignment is being collated but, unfortunately, could not be provided within the time frame for reply. The information sought will be provided as soon as possible.