Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
135. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the degree to which issues raised in the recently published report on the Defence Forces have been or are being addressed in full with particular reference to pay and conditions and the need to keep the strength of the forces up to the maximum required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51152/23]
View answerWith its approval of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, the Government committed to a range of actions to address pay and recruitment issues in the Defence Forces. These include a number of projects undertaken to bolster the attractiveness of a career in the Defence Forces, and cover a range of measures which will improve pay and conditions.
It is also worth noting in this regard that the Report observed that much of the commentary surrounding issues of pay in the Defence Forces does not seem to fully reflect the totality of the remuneration package and believes that this needs to be better communicated.
The Commission on the Defence Forces was asked to examine the evolution of all remuneration systems and structures currently in place in the Defence Forces, rather than conduct a particular focus on pay. Public sector pay policy is within the remit of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and, therefore, was not within the terms of reference for the Commission.
The Commission on the Defence Forces made a number of recommendations concerning pay structures, which the Department has implemented including:
• Removal of the requirement for a Private 3 Star/Able Seaman to ‘mark time’ for the first three years at that rank (as detailed above in terms starting pay rates);
• Payment of the full rate of Military Service Allowance (MSA) applicable to the rank of all Private 3 Star/Able Seaman personnel.
In addition to the above, I recently announced new changes to the the existing Naval Service allowances, as a means of simplifying current structures, by consolidating the daily allowance and the sea-going commitment scheme into one enhanced allowance. This is in line with the Commission on Defence Forces recommendation to replace existing sea-going allowances with less complex measures. The sea-going commitment scheme will be abolished from the end of 2023.
Specifically, the current Patrol Duty Allowance, paid to Naval Service personnel, will be doubled after ten days at sea. This measure will take effect from 1 January 2024. This measure is part of our ongoing investment in our Defence Forces, in its people, infrastructure, capabilities and culture. Examples of the impact of this increase in PDA include:
• On current rates of PDA, an enlisted person serving the recommended maximum of 165 days at sea, could earn €10,600 Patrol Duty Allowance, plus €5,000 sea going service commitment scheme per annum, plus a tax credit of €1,500. The changes to the seagoing allowances will provide €20,565 for the period.
• This is in addition to basic pay and military service allowance (MSA), which for a newly enlisted able seaman, amounts to €38,016 on completion of training, bringing potential annual earnings to €58,580.
• A school leaver Cadet on commissioning is paid €41,962. After two years they are promoted to lieutenant and their pay rises to €47,245. Where a graduate joins their pay rate on commissioning begins at €47,245.
• For such officers they will receive an additional €20,570 if they serve 165 days at sea in a calendar year.
As well as this consolidation a naval personnel tax credit is included in the Finance Bill for 2024, for one further year, as a further retention measure.
Further pay measures, including the following, are currently subject to further evaluation by the Department of Defence in discussion with the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform:
• On the basis that all personnel are paid the full rate of MSA applicable to their rank, MSA will be abolished and the full applicable rate integrated into core pay.
• Introduction of Long Service Increments to the pay scales of all ranks of enlisted personnel.
• Introduction of a mechanism to provide for ongoing review of the application of existing specialist pay rates and allowances to groups and categories of military personnel, and to make recommendations, within public pay policy parameters, where adjustments are required.
Finally, Deputy, I would point to the fact that the Commission recommended the commencement of private secondary medical care to all Defence Forces rank, a measure that that was initiated in September 2023. Previously, various benefits applied to Commissioned Officers only. It will now apply to all personnel and will be of immediate benefit to a further 84% of the Permanent Defence Force based on current strengths. In addition to the comprehensive range of primary care currently provided, this new measure will facilitate referrals to private consultants, as well as the costs of any diagnostic tests
This is a significant enhancement to the overall benefits package for personnel and is unique in the public sector. It continues the significant progress being made by Government in improving the employment conditions of Defence Forces personnel which will also, I believe, act as a recruitment and retention measure, going forward.
