Written answers
Thursday, 8 May 2025
Department of Defence
Defence Forces
Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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181. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the way in which he envisages Aiken Barracks, Dundalk, playing a part in cyber-defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17685/25]
Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate to comment on matters of an operational nature or on unit formations within their respective Barracks for reasons of operational security. However, I can say that the Defence Forces have established a new Joint Cyber Defence Command. This new Command will be able to conduct full-spectrum operations to robustly defend against cyber threats, support Defence Forces operations at home and overseas, and enhance national cyber defence resilience and contingent capabilities.
Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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183. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence how he plans to improve pay and conditions for members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17920/25]
Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Significant progress that has been made, in terms of pay for Defence Force personnel, over the last five (5) years.
For context, in May 2019 a newly qualified three-star private could have expected to earn €27,759 gross per annum (including military service allowance but excluding duty allowances), on completion of his/her initial training.
Following the implementation of a number of pay related Commission on Defence Forces recommendations, coupled with ongoing pay increases being applied as part of national pay agreements, at present recruit pay, on completion of training (which takes approximately 24 weeks), will start at:
- €41,465 in Year 1 -
- €42,875 in Year 2 and
- €44,176 in Year 3
Equally, for the Officer cohort, a school leaver Cadet, on commissioning, was paid €30,884 in 2019. As of 01 March 2025 a school leaver Cadet, again on commissioning, is now paid €45,341, which is a second lieutenant position.
As such, in the last 5 years a cadet's pay, on commissioning, has increased by €14,457 in 5 years, or by 49%. Furthermore, after 2 years they are promoted to lieutenant and their pay rises to €50,677.
Where a graduate joins – the pay rate on commissioning begins at €50,677. These rates all include pensionable military service allowance, which is an allowance that is paid to all ranks up to and including the rank of Colonel, for the unpredictable nature of the work encountered by the Defence Forces.
In the conversation surrounding the pay and conditions of members of the Defence Forces, it is important to point out that in addition to basic pay and military service allowance, certain positions in the Defence Forces also attract specialist and technical pay. Additionally there is scope for further income from duty allowances for specific duties carried, out on an ongoing basis, as well as the possibility of earning a tax-free duty allowance, starting at €15,000, for a 6 month overseas deployment.
Government continues to progress measures in the area of terms and conditions in the Defence Forces, with the most recent initiative being an announcement in late 2023, on Patrol Duty Allowance for Naval Service personnel. This measure will result in the Patrol Duty Allowance being doubled, after ten days at sea. This particular measure will provide greater clarity on the overall incentive package available to members of, and potential recruits to, the Naval Service.
Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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185. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the investment made in facilities at Aiken Barracks, Dundalk, since 2020; if further investment is anticipated in coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17686/25]
Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for the opportunity to discuss the investments and infrastructure improvements completed or currently underway at Aikens Barracks Dundalk.
The capital expenditure on the maintenance and upgrade of military installations for the years 2020 to 2024 has seen over €600,000 invested in Aikens Barracks to improve the central heating system. This project involved the conversion from a centralised boiler and district heating pipe network to a localised heating solution and was completed in 2024.
In addition to the new central heating system upgrade the Deputy will be pleased to hear that construction works are currently underway for a new Modern Kitchen and Dining Hall at Aikens Barracks. This new facility will provide for food storage, preparation, cooking and wash up areas and administration areas, together with any necessary associated site works. The new facility will comply with HACCP requirements and Health and Safety, Fire and Building Regulations. The contract is valued at approximately €5.6 million (incl. VAT) and is scheduled to take 14 months to complete.
All of the above projects are part of the Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP). The IDP sets out a programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027. The capital allocation for building works in military installations and barracks across the country for the last five years was some €170m. This year the capital allocation stands at €50m for capital investment. My Department also allocates funding each year to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This year the devolved budget of €12.5 million was assigned to the Defence Forces by my Department. The individual prioritisation of specific projects to be carried out is solely a matter for the Defence Forces in keeping with the delegated nature of this budget.
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