Defence Forces

Thursday, 6 October 2022

Questions (85, 91, 103)

Richard Bruton

Question:

85. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the way that Budget 2023 will commence the implementation of recommendations made by The Commission on the Defence Forces. [48931/22]

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91. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence the amount of funding that will be allocated to pay and allowance enhancements for serving members of the Defence Forces following the announcement in Budget 2023; the timeline for when these increases will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48631/22]

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James Lawless

Question:

103. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Defence the impact that the increase in expenditure announced in Budget 2023 will have on serving members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48887/22]

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Written answers

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 85, 91 and 103 together.

For 2023, the total allocation for Vote 36 – Defence is €893 million, which is an overall increase of €57 million on 2022, doubling the increase for Defence from last year and comprising of an increase of €35 million in the capital allocation and €22 million in the current allocation.

The Defence capital allocation has increased to €176 million, a 25% increase on 2022. This will allow significant capital investment in defensive equipment programmes, including force protection. It will also allow a significant number of building projects to advance under the Defence Forces built infrastructure programme, thereby modernising and upgrading facilities. This capital investment will enhance the equipment and facilities for all serving members of the Defence Forces.

An allocation of some €498 million has been provided for the pay & allowances for members of the PDF for 2023. This includes the costs associated with the existing Building Momentum pay deal and also provides for a number of measures recommended by the Commission on the Defence Forces, that will impact pay and allowances, should sanction be received to progress these measures by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform:

- Extension of Military Service Allowance to all PDF personnel;

- Removal of the requirement for 3* Privates to ‘Mark Time’

- Extension of the Sea-Going Commitment Scheme;

- Commence further evaluation of the introduction of Long Service Increments to the pay scales of all ranks of enlisted personnel and

- Commence further evaluation of the creation of a new enlisted rank of Lance Corporal in the Army and the Air Corps.

The implementation of these enhancements will be advanced as soon as agreement is reached with all the relevant stakeholders, and the appropriate administrative arrangements put in place. Funding is also provided for the recruitment of the Head of Transformation and Strategic HR roles in the Defence Forces, as outlined in the High Level Action Plan.

In addition to pay commitments, the increased current expenditure allocation will also provide for rising Defence Forces standing and operational costs anticipated in 2023, across a broad range of areas, including IT, training, catering and maintenance.

The funding allocated in Budget 2023 will enable the Defence Forces to deliver effectively on all its key domestic and international responsibilities, to enhance our national and international security capability, and to facilitate progression on the structural and cultural transformation of the Defence Forces as recommended by the Commission.

Question No. 86 answered with Question No. 80.