Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 October 2018
59. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether additional resources allocated to the area of defence should be prioritised at addressing soldiers' pay and conditions as opposed to prioritising military hardware; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39910/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAppropriate investment in Defence capabilities is an essential component of a coherent defence policy. It is necessary to invest in equipment and infrastructure as well as personnel. In this context, approximately 72% of the Defence Vote 36 budget relates to pay and pensions and the balance relates to current expenditure for running costs and capital expenditure. An increase in the pay allocation to the detriment of non-pay and capital expenditure is not a viable option.
The restoration of pay for all public servants, including Defence Forces personnel is a priority for me and for the Government.
Similar to other areas within the Public Service, the pay of Permanent Defence Force personnel was reduced during the financial crisis as one of he measures necessary to stabilise the national finances. The economic recovery and a resumption of economic growth has provided the fiscal resources to provide for a sustainable and fair recovery in public service payscales.
Defence Forces pay is increasing in accordance with public sector pay agreements. The focus of these increases is weighted in favour of those on lower pay. Members of the Permanent Defence Force have received the pay increases due under the Lansdowne Road Agreement. In addition in 2017, following negotiations with PDFORRA improved pay scales for general service recruits and privates, who joined the Permanent Defence Force post 1 January 2013, were implemented.
The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 provides for increases in pay ranging from 6.2% to 7.4% over the lifetime of the Agreement. The first increase due from 1 January 2018 has been paid to Permanent Defence Force personnel and a second increase is due to be applied from 1 October 2018. In fact enlisted members of the Permanent Defence Force will see the increase in today's wage packet. Further increases in pay are scheduled for 2019 and 2020.
New entrants to the Defence Forces will also benefit from the measures which were recently announced in relation to amendments to the pay scales for new entrant public servants recruited since January 2011.
By the end of the current Public Service Pay agreement the pay of all public servants (including members of the Defence Forces), earning under €70,000 per annum, will be restored to pre FEMPI levels. The restoration of the 5% reduction to allowances cut under FEMPI is also scheduled in the agreement.
