Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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26. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Naval Service sea-going service commitment scheme is being extended in 2022; and if the criteria will be adjusted to broaden the pool of possible beneficiaries. [13517/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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A new sea-going service commitment scheme for Naval Service personnel came into effect from 1 January 2021. The Scheme was aimed at retaining experienced personnel and incentivising those personnel to undertake sea going duties.

The Scheme offers eligible participants an opportunity to receive €10,000 for a two-year sea-going service commitment, to be delivered within a 48 month reference period. This payment is in addition to existing pay and allowances, including patrol duty allowance.

As at March 2022, 103 applications have been approved for participation in the scheme. This comprises 81 Enlisted Personnel and 22 Officers. 

The scheme was initially open to applications for a 12 month period. Discussions are currently taking place with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the future of the Scheme.