Defence Forces

Thursday, 8 July 2021

Ceisteanna (212)

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

212. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the steps that have been taken to properly record overtime worked by members of the Permanent Defence Forces. [36913/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Unlike other areas of the Public Service and due to the nature of the duties performed, overtime payments are not available to members of the Defence Forces and comparisons with other areas of the Public Service must be cognisant of the unique role, structure, duties and working conditions of service which are particular to military personnel.

In that regard a Military Service Allowance, which is designed to compensate for the special disadvantages associated with military life including long and unsocial hours, is paid to all ranks up to the level of Colonel. It is of course also the case that in addition to basic pay and military service allowance, certain positions in the Defence Forces also attract specialist and technical pay and that a range of duties also attract additional allowances. These duty based allowances are not analogous to overtime as such payments are in addition to basic pay and MSA and are related to the duties undertaken.

The Deputy will be aware a Commission on the Defence Forces has been established and is currently working to meet its terms of reference. As part of its Terms of Reference the Commission will examine the evolution of all remuneration systems and structures currently in place in the Defence Forces noting what the Programme for Government states in relation to a future Permanent Pay Review Body. It will also set out a strategic perspective on HR policies, and associated strategies, to fulfil the requirements of military capabilities for a more agile and adaptive Defence Forces in a manner congruent with modern society, and in light of the prevailing dynamics of the labour market, while also remaining consistent with public sector pay and personnel policy.

I look forward to the Commissions Report, expected at the end of this year.