Defence Forces

Tuesday, 11 May 2021

Ceisteanna (429)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

429. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence the status of the implementation of the Strengthening our Defence Forces high-level implementation plan. [24690/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government’s high level plan “Strengthening Our Defence Forces – Phase 1” sets out a range of actions to be undertaken in the short, medium and longer term. The plan is complemented by a range of other HR actions which were already underway.

The immediate pay measures set out in the plan i.e. an increase in Military Service Allowance, the reversal of 10% cuts to allowances and the restoration of weekend premium rates for overtime were implemented immediately upon their acceptance by the PDF Representative Associations. A service commitment scheme for pilots was also re-introduced, with very positive uptake. The remaining projects in the plan contain both pay and non-pay measures.

The table below summarises the current status for each of the 15 projects included in the plan:

Project	Title	Status
V1	Review of Pay Structures	This project is being considered in light of the current Public Sector Pay Agreement.
V2	Increase MSA	Project completed – Payments made in Oct/Nov 2019.
V3	Restore Allowances cut under Haddington Road Agreement	Project completed – Payments made in Oct/Nov 2019.
V4	Restore weekend premium rates	Project completed – Payments made in Oct/Nov 2019.
R1	Restore Pilot Service Commitment Scheme	Project completed – Scheme Promulgated November 2019.
R2	Tech 2 - 6 arrangements	2 Reports completed in October 2019 and January 2020. These Reports are being considered in light of the current Public Sector Pay Agreement.
R3	Incentivised long service arrangements - NCO and Officer ranks	Report completed - October 2019. This project is being considered in light of the current Public Sector Pay agreement.
R4	Barriers to extended participation in the PDF	Project divided into 2 Phases. Phase 1 – Review of Mandatory Retirement Ages for Officers - Draft Report completed and a number of issues under discussion with DPER. Phase 2 – Review of Contracts of Service for Enlisted Personnel is progressing.
R5	Bespoke Management training for leaders and managers	Project completed - July 2020.
R6	Professional Military Education [PME] Strategy	Project completed - March 2021.
R7	Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy	Project completed - December 2020.
R8	Non-Pay Retention Measures in the PDF	Project completed - October 2020.
R9	Additional specialist posts for high turnover/long lead in appointments.	Project completed - April 2021.
A1	Review of Recruitment methods for PDF	This Report is at an advanced stage of completion and will be finalised by the end of May 2021.
A2	Workforce Planning	This project is being progressed through the Strategic Human Resources Group as embedding and monitoring workforce planning in the Defence Forces will be an ongoing task.

In tandem with the the implementation of the high level plan, the Commission on the Defence Forces is also conducting a comprehensive review of the pay structures within the Defence Forces.