Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, this is a matter for my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister of Defence in the first instance but I will address the Deputy’s question from my Department’s perspective.

A series of enhancements to pay and terms have been introduced for the Defence Forces in recent years including, for example, enhancements arising from recommendations of the Public Service Pay Commission in 2019.

More generally, members of the Defence Forces also benefit from the terms of public service pay agreements. The Deputy will be aware that the current Building Momentum agreement was extended for a period of 12 months to the end of 2023. Three additional pay adjustments totalling 6.5% are provided for under the Building Momentum extension over 2022 and 2023. These are:

- An increase in annualised basic salaries for public servants of 3% backdated to 2 February 2022.

- An increase in annualised basic salaries for public servants of 2% on 1 March 2023.

- An increase in annualised basic salaries for public servants of 1.5% or €750, whichever is greater, on 1 October 2023.

The extension acknowledges the higher than anticipated rates of inflation that have emerged since 2021 and in particular the impact of cost of living pressures.

The existing Building Momentum Agreement provided headline benefits of 3%. In total, including the existing Agreement and the extension, headline benefits over the lifetime of Building Momentum amount to 9.5%.

In respect of public servants at lower pay levels, the extended Building Momentum provides for increases of 12.5% over its lifetime.

In relation to the High Level Action Plan referenced by the Deputy, this was agreed by Government last July. My Department has been working with the Department of Defence to progress work on the various actions in this plan.