Seán Haughey
Ceist:14. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the action he is taking to enhance the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22037/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 16 May 2024
Ceisteanna (14)
Freagraí scríofa
The recruitment and retention challenges experienced by the Defence Forces, not least in the Naval Service, have been well documented.
In an effort to address the continued decline in the overall strength level of the Naval Service, significant investment is being made to enhance the terms and conditions of personnel, in such areas as improved pay and conditions, accommodation and capabilities.
I am also pleased to say that I have recently approved a policy in relation to the removal of the blanket exemption which currently applies to the Defence Forces in the Organisation of Working Time Act. The next step in the process is to progress the necessary legislative amendments about which my officials are engaged with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).
In the area of pay and conditions, significant progress has been made on a number of fronts.
• As of 1 January 2024, Patrol Duty Allowance has been doubled, after ten days at sea. This means that the daily rate has increased from €65 to €131 for an enlisted person, after ten days at sea;
• recent wage adjustments made under the terms of the new Public Service Agreement mean that the rates of pay for new recruits, for example, on completion of training (which takes approximately 24 weeks), will start at:
• €39,321 in year 1
• €40,718 in year 2, and
• €42,005 in year 3
A further 1 per cent pay rise is due on 1 June.
Private secondary medical care was extended to all Defence Forces personnel in September 2023.
The decision to increase the mandatory retirement age to 60, for personnel with a current mandatory retirement age of under 60, will benefit the Naval Service. This has also facilitated an increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 for those roles with a current recruitment age below 39 years. The Government has also approved a further increase in the mandatory retirement age for the Permanent Defence Force to 62, which will be facilitated by amendments to the relevant pension legislation to be brought forward by the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
In terms of the built infrastructure at Haulbowline, significant investment is being made, particularly in relation to the refurbishment of accommodation blocks, at a total cost of more than €20 million when all phases are complete and the repurposing of other buildings for accommodation costing approx. €9m. The construction of a €6 million new gym is scheduled for commencement in 2026, while the refurbishment of the Block 10 office accommodation is scheduled to commence in 2027.
In terms of Naval Service capabilities, the Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme includes radar and other equipment upgrades or new equipment, such as a multi-beam sonar system for the P60 class of vessels, along with the replacement of Naval Service Reserve motor launches.
The programme of works for the midlife refit and upgrade of LÉ Róisín has been completed, while works are ongoing on LÉ Niamh.
Two Inshore Patrol Vessels have been purchased from the New Zealand Government with a total cost of €32m. Finally, marine advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of a multi-role vessel to replace the now decommissioned flagship, LÉ Eithne, with work underway that will inform a public tender competition in line with the Public Spending code in due course.