Bernard Durkan
Question:261. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which pay and conditions in the Defence Forces have been addressed or resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4202/22]
View answerThursday, 27 January 2022
Questions (261)
Written answers
The Defence Forces are paid increases in pay and allowances in line with Public Service pay agreements.
The current public service pay agreement, ‘Building Momentum – A New Public Service Agreement 2021 – 2022’ provides for increases in pay and allowances to all public servants, including members of the Defence Forces. Most recently, a general round increase in annualised basic salary of 1% or €500, whichever was the greater, came into effect on 1st October 2021. In addition, fixed periodic pensionable allowances, as well as allowances in the nature of pay, were also increased by 1% on this date.
The current pay agreement also provides for further increases in 2022, namely:
- The equivalent of a 1% increase in annualised basic salaries to be used as a Sectoral Bargaining Fund, in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Agreement, on 1st February 2022.
- A general round increase in annualised basic salaries for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater on 1st October 2022. Fixed periodic pensionable allowances and allowances in the nature of pay will also be increased by 1% on this date.
In addition to general round pay increases, arising from pay agreements, members of the Permanent Defence Force have also benefitted from the implementation of increases in Defence Forces allowances, as recommended by the Public Service Pay Commission in 2019.
The Government remains fully committed to addressing pay and conditions in the Defence Forces. The Commission on the Defence Forces, which was established by Government, includes in its terms of reference, an examination of the evolution of all remuneration systems and structures, currently in place in the Defence Forces.
The Commission is due to submit their report shortly and I look forward to receiving this document, in due course. The recommendations will then be fully considered and will inform future decisions regarding the Defence Forces
As provided for in the Programme for Government, I will then consult with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the establishment of a permanent pay review body, reflecting the unique nature of military service in the context of the Pubic Service.