Defence Forces Allowances

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2017

Tuesday, 28 February 2017

Ceisteanna (831)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

831. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the efforts being made to reinstate the 24-hour duty payment to Defence Forces personnel that was cut from €40 to €20. [9622/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Rates of remuneration and conditions of employment in the Irish public sector have traditionally been set by reference to relative levels of pay across the various sectors of the Irish public sector. In this regard, the level of remuneration in the Defence sector has maintained relativity with the levels available in other related public sector employments. The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts of 2009-201 5 and the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-201 8 (Lansdowne Road Agreement) define current pay policy.

In the Haddington Road Agreement (Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2016) the Government reaffirmed its commitment that public service pay and any related issues would not be revisited over the lifetime of that Agreement, subject to compliance with the terms of the Agreement. Crucially, there was no cut to the basic pay of any enlisted personnel under the Agreement. Of the measures applying to the Defence Forces in the Haddington Road Agreement, the following may apply to enlisted personnel depending on their duties:

- Incorporation of duties attracting Technical Group 1 pay into standard duties for new enlisted personnel.

- Flat rating Security Duty Allowance and related payments at the standard weekday rate.

- A 10% Reduction in certain Defence Forces Allowances.

- Voluntary buyout of Border Duty Allowance for enlisted personnel.

- Implementation of additional incremental points in pay scales for new enlisted personnel post 01 July 2013.

In terms of remuneration going forward, the new Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC), announced by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, has been tasked with providing objective analysis and advice on the most appropriate pay levels for the public service, including the Defence Forces.