Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

132. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to make the military service allowance pensionable for pre-1990 pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47122/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Military Service Allowance (MSA) was first introduced in 1979 to compensate Defence Forces personnel for the special disadvantages associated with military life. Arising from a recommendation made in 1990 by the Commission on Remuneration and Conditions of Service in the Defence Forces (the Gleeson Commission), MSA was made pensionable in the case of personnel retiring on or after 1 August 1990.   This approach was fully consistent with settled public service pensions policy which provides that the benefit of an allowance being made pensionable for serving personnel does not extend to existing pensioners.

The Final Report of the Commission on Public Service Pensions was published in January 2001 and was considered and broadly accepted by the Government.  This Report was the first comprehensive examination of public service occupational pension arrangements since the foundation of the State.  The Commission was an independent body and had invited submissions from interested parties, giving those concerned an unprecedented opportunity to put their case on occupational pension issues.  I understand that groups representative of military pensioners were among those who made submissions and were met by the Commission. 

In its Report, the Commission specifically addressed the issue of the pensionability of allowances (including the MSA) and the consequences for public service pensioners generally.  However, having considered the arguments advanced by the groups affected, together with longstanding public service pensions policy in that context and the substantial cost implications involved, the Commission did not recommend any increase for the pensioners concerned.  Aside from pre-August 1990 Defence Forces pensioners, the other groups affected include certain retired members of An Garda Síochána and the Prison Service and retired teachers. 

 In the context of the Government’s subsequent consideration of the Commission’s Report, no change in existing policy on this matter has been authorised or is contemplated and, accordingly, there is no scope for departing from settled public service pensions policy in the case of MSA.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

134. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current strength of the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47120/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the First Line Reserve, the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR).  The White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the RDF and confirms that its primary role is to augment the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) in crisis situations.

The strength of the Reserve Defence Force, as of 31 August 2021, is set out in the following table.

While the Government remains committed to restoring the strength of the RDF, the same personnel and resources are utilised for both PDF and RDF recruitment. Given the competing recruitment demands at present, PDF recruitment is, and will remain a priority.  However, RDF recruitment will also be progressed to the greatest extent possible.

The Military Authorities have further advised that a revised Defence Forces framework for living with COVID -19 is now in place, based on the recent easing of Government restrictions.

This revised framework, I understand, affords more scope for RDF Training within the parameters of government guidelines, and is facilitating the commencement of the RDF Induction Process with planned induction training to commence shortly. This of course, will be subject to continued guidance from Government on easing of restrictions.

I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government appreciates the service of the Reserve Defence Force and recognises its importance in contributing to Ireland's defence capability.