Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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23. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the implementation of the technical pay agreement for the Defence Forces agreed in 2019. [57493/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Technical Pay is graded from Group 1 to 6 based on the technical qualifications required to fill particular appointments in a wide variety of trade, technical and specialist appointments within the Defence Forces, with higher rates being paid for higher technical skills. As of 18 November 2022, there were 2,756 Enlisted Personnel in receipt of technical pay across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service.

A review of Technical Pay in the Defence Forces was provided for in the Public Service Agreement 2010 - 2014 (the 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.

A review of Technical Pay of Groups 2-6 commenced within the Defence Organisation in 2019. At the conclusion of an extensive process of analysis and consultation, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, on 25^thMay 2021, conveyed sanction for the implementation of the findings.

Following extensive and detailed discussion and consultation with PDFORRA, seventeen individual Conciliation Council Reports were agreed and signed on 31^stMay 2022, allowing for Technical Payments to proceed.

The Deputy will be aware that the review of Technical Pay of Groups 2 – 6 has taken some time to progress. PDFORRA has worked closely with my officials and military management throughout this year, to ensure that eligible cohorts get paid, with all payments backdated to May 2021.

I am informed that 695 personnel have been paid to date, at a total cost of €967,869. I am further informed that the small number of outstanding recipients eligible for payment, will be paid by the end of this month.