Written answers
Wednesday, 3 December 2025
Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
Defence Forces
Tom Brabazon (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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93. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current strength of all branches of the Defence Forces as of 28 November 2025 or the latest date available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68514/25]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Government has acknowledged the on-going staffing difficulties as regards the recruitment and retention of members of the Defence Forces; however, figures provided by the Defence Forces for 2024 demonstrated a stabilisation in numbers and there has been a modest expansion in strength to date in 2025.
A range of measures have been undertaken to tackle recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces over the last number of years.
As of the 31 October, the latest date for which such data is available, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,760 personnel, consisting of 6,237 Army, 739 Air Corps and 784 Naval Service personnel.
It should be noted that there continues to be a very strong level of interest in a career in the Defence Forces is high with some 14,881 applications to date in 2025, with an expected 775 inductions by year end.
Budget 2026 includes an allocation of €1.49 billion for the Defence Sector, which incorporates a provision for the recruitment and training of at least a net additional 400 enlisted personnel in 2026. The Defence Forces advise that they will target 800+ inductions in 2026.
Tom Brabazon (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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94. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the improvements made in salaries and allowances for members of the Defence Forces since 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68515/25]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, 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. 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, came into effect on 1 August 2025, and has a further positive financial impact, for members of the Defence Forces.
For context, in January 2020 a newly qualified three-star private could have expected to earn €28,844 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:
- €41,880 in Year 1 -
- €43,304 in Year 2 -
- €44,618 in Year 3 -
Equally, for the Officer cohort, a school leaver Cadet, on commissioning, was paid €31,581 in January 2020. As of 01 August 2025 a school leaver Cadet, again on commissioning, is now paid €45,795, which is a second lieutenant position.
As such, in the last 5 years a cadet's pay, on commissioning, has increased by €14,214 in 5 years, or by 45%. Furthermore, after 2 years they are promoted to lieutenant and their pay rises to €51,184.
Where a graduate joins – the pay rate on commissioning begins at €51,184. 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 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.
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