Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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241. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on the current situation regarding the pay and conditions for Defence Forces personnel. [13739/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Defence Forces are paid increases in pay and allowances in line with Public Service pay agreements.

The current public service pay agreement, ‘Building Momentum – A New Public Service Agreement 2021 – 2022’ provides for increases in pay and allowances to all public servants, including members of the Defence Forces.

A general round increase in annualised basic salary of 1% or €500, whichever was the greater, came into effect on 1st October 2021.In addition, allowances in the nature of pay were also increased by 1% on this date.

The current pay agreement also provides for further increases in 2022, namely:

- 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 1st February 2022 last, which is in the process of being paid. 

- A general round increase in annualised basic salaries for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater on 1st October 2022. The general round increases will also apply to those allowances that are in the nature of pay.

In addition to general round pay increases arising out of ongoing national pay agreements, members of the Permanent Defence Force have also benefitted from the implementation of increases in Defence Forces allowances, as recommended by the Public Service Pay Commission in 2019.

The Government remains fully committed to addressing pay and conditions in the Defence Forces.  The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, and the Government decision in December 2020, which agreed its terms of reference and membership. 

In February 2022, I welcomed the publication of the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.  The Commission has undertaken a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference, including an examination of the evolution of all remuneration systems and structures currently in place in the Defence Forces. 

Given the significant recommendations contained in the Report, detailed consideration of the recommendations is required.  This will involve significant inter-departmental consultation and I also intend to get the views of key stakeholders. Following that engagement I intend to return to Government with a proposed response to the Commission’s recommendations and a high-level action plan.

The Defence Forces Representative Associations will be consulted on all matters that fall within the scope of representation, relating to the implementation of any approved plan.