Written answers
Tuesday, 29 July 2025
Department of Defence
Defence Forces
Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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362. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the plans for the improvement of the pay and conditions in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43417/25]
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.
These pay rates will increase further with effect from 1 August next.
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 introduced 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.
Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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364. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the resourcing and recruitment needed to achieve LOA2; to provide a timeline for this in year on year targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43419/25]
Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, in July 2022, Government approved a move over, a six-year period, to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. Achieving LOA2 requires an increase in Permanent Defence Force establishment figure to 11,500, to include a civilian component.
This framework also provides for an increase in the Defence budget to €1.5 billion by 2028, index linked to inflation, as part of the annual estimates processes. This level of funding increase will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment identified by the Commission. It encompasses both current and capital investment. It is supported by a comprehensive programme of work, currently underway throughout the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, as outlined and prioritised in the Strategic Framework and the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Commission Report.
Working towards these targets, Budget 2025 provided a record allocation of €1.35 billion for the Defence Sector, an increase of €100 million. This allocation includes funding for the recruitment of a net additional 400 personnel per annum, at a minimum.
Significant progress has been made on a number of fronts in addressing recruitment and retention challenges, and 2024 saw a stabilisation of the downward trend in numbers. There were 708 personnel inducted in 2024, the highest in over five years while discharges were at their lowest in four years. Interest in a career in the Defence Forces is very strong and grew significantly in 2024 with total applications showing an increase of 33% across all competitions compared to the previous year. This trend has continued into 2025.
The allocation of record levels of expenditure to the Defence sector, and the policy initiatives already implemented, is indicative of Government’s commitment in this regard.
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