Written answers
Thursday, 10 July 2025
Department of Defence
Defence Forces
Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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161. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to examine the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38526/25]
Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
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162. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for an update as of July 2025 on the Programme for Government commitment to continue the process of improving pay and conditions for serving Defence Forces personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38359/25]
Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Significant progress has been made, in terms of the pay and conditions for Defence Force personnel, particularly over the last five (5) years. In addition, under the current national pay deal, the Public Service Agreement (PSA) 2024-2026, a further 1% increase in basic pay, as well as allowances in the nature of pay with effect from 1 August 2025, will positively affect members of the Defence Forces.
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), starts 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.
The Deputy may also be aware of the changes to Patrol Duty Allowance for Naval Service personnel which came into effect on 1 January 2024. This measure resulted in the Patrol Duty Allowance being doubled after ten days at sea. This particular measure provides greater clarity on the overall incentive package available to members of, and potential recruits to, the Naval Service.
Key changes to broader conditions include extension of private medical care to all personnel; increases to mandatory retirement ages and recruitment ages, and earlier this year, the removal of the blanket exemption from the Organisation of the Working Time Act.
As outlined, positive progress has been made on pay and conditions in the Defence Forces. There is a significant increase in interest in joining the Defence Forces over the last two years. We will continue to ensure that Defence Forces remains an employer of choice.
Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
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163. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to outline his engagement with stakeholders, such as an organisation (details supplied), with regard to improving pay and conditions for serving Defence Forces personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38360/25]
Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Defence (Amendment) Act 1990 and Defence Force Regulations S6 provided for the establishment of Representative Associations for members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF). PDFORRA (Permanent Defence Forces Other Ranks Representative Association) represent enlisted personnel.
Successive Ministers for Defence engage, on an ongoing basis, with the PDF Representative Associations.
Since taking up the role as Tánaiste and Minister for Defence in January 2025, I met with the PDFORRA Representative Association on 10 February 2025 and I also had the opportunity of attending the PDFORRA Annual Delegate Conference in Killarney on 13th May 2025.
These meetings afforded me the opportunity to engage with PDFORRA on a range of issues most pertinent for their respective members. The issue of pay and conditions for serving Defence Forces personnel was discussed at these meetings.
Significant progress has been made, in terms of the pay and conditions for Defence Force personnel, particularly over the last five (5) years. In addition, under the current national pay deal, the Public Service Agreement (PSA) 2024-2026, a further 1% increase in basic pay, as well as allowances in the nature of pay with effect from 1 August 2025, will positively affect members of the Defence Forces.
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), starts at:
- €41,465 in Year 1 -
- €42,875 in Year 2 and
- €44,176 in Year 3
In addition to basic pay and military service allowance, as outlined above, 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.
The Deputy may also be aware of the changes to Patrol Duty Allowance for Naval Service personnel which came into effect on 1 January 2024. This measure resulted in the Patrol Duty Allowance being doubled after ten days at sea. This particular measure provides greater clarity on the overall incentive package available to members of, and potential recruits to, the Naval Service.
Key changes to broader conditions include extension of private medical care to all personnel; increases to mandatory retirement ages and recruitment ages, and earlier this year, the removal of the blanket exemption from the Organisation of the Working Time Act.
As outlined, positive progress has been made on pay and conditions in the Defence Forces. There is a significant increase in interest in joining the Defence Forces over the last two years. We will continue to ensure that Defence Forces remains an employer of choice.
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