Defence Forces Remuneration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018

Tuesday, 12 June 2018

Ceisteanna (133)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

133. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to increase aircraft technician tech pay to coincide with developments in aircraft technology. [24283/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

A review of technician pay in the Defence Forces is ongoing. There are no plans at this stage to increase aircraft technician pay.

In 2017, under my direction, the Department of Defence brought issues of recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces to the attention of the Public Sector Pay Commission (PSPC). As a direct result of that initiative the PSPC is now beginning an in-depth evidence based examination of those issues, which will include an examination of certain specialist positions and technician grades.

The Public Service Pay Commission has commenced this work and has requested hard data and detailed information from my Department. Defence management are preparing this material which will be sent to the Commission shortly.

The Public Service Pay Commission is due to complete this exercise in the second half of 2018. The findings and proposals arising will be considered at that time.