Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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29. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the vaccine roll-out for Defence Forces members serving overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23957/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The COVID-19 vaccine Allocation Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and the Department of Health, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020 (updated 30 April 2021). It sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination.

The Defence Forces has established vaccine prioritisation which is in line with this national allocation strategy. Initial Vaccination priority is for Defence Force personnel who are providing front line support to the HSE and National Ambulance Service in the national effort to combat COVID 19.

Personnel selected for deployment to overseas missions fall into a prioritised grouping and they are vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to deployment, subject to availability of the vaccine which is coordinated through the HSE.

There may be a small number of personnel who, for a variety of reasons, will not be vaccinated against Covid 19 prior to their deployment; planning is ongoing in relation to facilitating the vaccination of these personnel at the earliest possible opportunity.

As Minister for Defence, I am keenly aware of the impact the COVID 19 pandemic is having on members of the Defence Forces deployed overseas and their families. I recognise and appreciate the additional personal sacrifices being made by troops deployed overseas at this time.

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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31. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he supports the introduction of overtime in the Defence Forces in line with other public sector organisations. [24898/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Unlike other areas of the Public Service and due to the nature of the duties performed, overtime payments are not available to members of the Defence Forces and comparisons with other areas of the Public Service must be cognisant of the unique role, structure, duties and working conditions of service which are particular to military personnel.

In that regard a Military Service Allowance, which is designed to compensate for the special disadvantages associated with military life including long and unsocial hours, is paid to all ranks up to the level of Colonel. It is of course also the case that in addition to basic pay and military service allowance, certain positions in the Defence Forces also attract specialist and technical pay and that a range of duties also attract additional allowances. These duty based allowances are not analogous to overtime as such payments are in addition to basic pay and MSA and are related to the duties undertaken.

The Deputy will also be aware a Commission on the Defence Forces has been established and is currently working to meet its terms of reference. As part of its Terms of Reference the Commission will examine the evolution of all remuneration systems and structures currently in place in the Defence Forces noting what the Programme for Government states in relation to a future Permanent Pay Review Body. Upon completion of the Commission’s work, the Minister for Defence will consult with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the establishment of a permanent pay review body, reflecting the unique nature of military service in the context of the public service. All recommendations by the Commission or the successor body and their implementation must be consistent with national public sector wage policy

I look forward to the Commissions Report, expected at the end of this year.