Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2019
72. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated full year cost of restoring all Defence Forces allowances to pre-FEMPI levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11387/19]
View answerThere are various factors which would impact on calculating the estimated costing in the manner sought by the Deputy. I am not in a position to provide this estimate as the information is not readily available.
Defence Forces pay is increasing in accordance with public sector pay agreements. The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, which was considered and accepted by the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations, provides for increases in pay, ranging from 6.2% to 7.4% over the lifetime of the Agreement, with the focus being on the lower paid. By the end of the agreement the pay scales for all public servants (including members of the Permanent Defence Force) earning up to €70,000, will be restored to pre-FEMPI levels. The restoration of cuts to allowances will also be considered in the context of the Agreement.
