Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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440. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to ensure that in the new Defence Forces structure that emerges from the recommendations of the Report of the Commission of the Defence Forces published in February 2022 that Collins Barracks, Cork would continue to be the headquarters location of the military formation that will control military operations in the southern region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13829/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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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 also agreed its terms of reference and membership.  The report was published on the 9th February 2022.  

The Commission undertook a significant body of work encompassing their wide-ranging terms of reference.  The report contains 69 main recommendations and together with sub recommendations, there are 130 recommendations.  The Commission's terms of reference included the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing for the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service.  

The report proposes significant changes for the Defence Forces, including to Defence Forces culture, high-level command and control structures, and for the level of Defence provision in Ireland.  Clearly, there are matters that will require careful consideration and in some critical aspects inter-departmental discussion. This includes the level of resourcing that may be allocated to Defence, legislative implications and the governance framework that will be required to underpin any changes the Government approve on foot of the Commission's report.  

I will also be seeking the views of my Department and the Defence Forces.  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.   I will also engage with key stakeholders and the Oireachtas, and I welcome the Dáil statements on the report which took place on the 16th February.  I firmly believe that this is an opportunity to have a mature debate around the type of defence capabilities that we require and I am very much open to such a discussion.  Current events are highlighting the importance of such a debate.  

The intent is that following relevant consideration, and before the summer recess, I will revert to Government with a proposed response to the Commission's recommendations and a high-level action plan. This high level plan will set out proposed timelines for its implementation. 

One of the Report's recommendations is that the structure of the Army be reviewed. As the Deputy will appreciate, it would be inappropriate for me to engage in speculative discussion on this matter prior to completion of the ongoing process, Government approval of any proposed plan of action, and completion of any subsequent reviews that may ensue.

Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent)
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441. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason for having a well-equipped Army if Army personnel are not well paid and motivated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13852/22]

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 1^stOctober 2021. In addition, fixed periodic pensionable allowances, as well as 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 1^stFebruary 2022 last.  

- A general round increase in annualised basic salaries for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater on 1^stOctober 2022. Fixed periodic pensionable allowances and allowances in the nature of pay will also be increased by 1% on this date.

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, as well as the Government decision in December 2020, which agreed its terms of reference and membership. 

In February 2022, the Minister 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 the Minister also intends to get the views of key stakeholders. Following that engagement the Minister intends 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. 

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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442. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the technical pay agreement agreed with the Defence Forces in July 2019 has been implemented; if so, when it was implemented; if not, the reason for the delay in implementation; and when the agreement will be implemented. [13864/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The review of technical pay in the Defence Forces was provided for in the Public Service Agreement 2010 - 2014 (Croke Park Agreement). The purpose of the review, in the context of the agreement, was to rationalise existing technical pay arrangements and consider if the requirements could be met in a more cost effective manner. A review of Technical Pay Group 1 was conducted in 2014 and came into effect at the beginning of 2015.  

The Public Service Pay Commission recommended that the review of Technical Pay Groups 2 - 6 be completed at the earliest opportunity, without compromising the Public Service Stability Agreement.

An initial report (October 2019) and final report (January 2020) were completed.

The approach to implementing the findings of the review of Technical Grades 2-6 was the subject of extensive engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

At the conclusion of that process the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, on 25 May 2021, conveyed sanction for the implementation of the findings. 

Discussions are at an advanced stage with PDFORRA regarding the application of the recommendations, as well as the scope and timelines for implementation.  The Department hopes to bring the matter to a conclusion shortly.