Written answers

Wednesday, 16 June 2021

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Defence Forces

Photo of Ruairi Ó MurchúRuairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

99. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeframe in which issues in relation to rates of pay, allowances and overtime for Defence Forces personnel will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25078/21]

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I refer to the Deputy’s question in respect of matters related to the remuneration of members of the Defence Forces. In this regard I wish to refer to the new public service agreement, Building Momentum, and Commission on the Defence Forces.

In December 2020 negotiations concluded on a new public service pay agreement entitled ‘Building Momentum’, which will apply for the next two years. The agreement was accepted by my colleagues in Cabinet and ratified by the public services committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on 23rdFebruary.

The proposals in Building Momentum – a new public service agreement, 2021-2022 will apply to those employees in grades represented by unions in membership of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions or other unions or representative associations, including the Defence Forces associations, which have notified the Workplace Relations Commission of their intention to comply with the Agreement.

The Agreement provides for the following pay adjustments:

- A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater, on October 2021;

- The equivalent of a 1% increase in annualised basic salaries to be used as a Sectoral Bargaining Fund, in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Agreement, on 1 February 2022;

- A general round increase in annualised basic salaries for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater on, 1 October 2022.

The establishment of an independent Commission on the Defence Forces “Commission” is an important commitment in the Programme for Government. The Commission is tasked with undertaking a wide ranging review of structural and organisational arrangements in the Defence Forces. It will examine remuneration structures as part of its work.

The Commission was established in December 2020 and is required to report to the Minister for Defence within 12 months of establishment. When the Commission reports, I will give consideration any recommendations regarding remuneration structures which must be consistent with public service pay policy.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.