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Defence Forces

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022

Tuesday, 28 June 2022

Ceisteanna (99)

Cathal Berry

Ceist:

99. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence if members of the Defence Forces are being paid at least the national minimum wage of €10.50 per hour in accordance with the National Minimum Wage Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33770/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government remains fully committed to addressing pay and conditions in the Defence Forces in the context of national Public Service Pay Agreements, and where specific issues arise.  

It is worth noting in this regard that the recent report of the Commission on the Defence Forces observed that much of the commentary surrounding issues of pay in the Defence Forces does not seem to fully reflect the totality of the remuneration package and believes that this needs to be better communicated.

A recently developed infographic on the benefits of a career in the Defence Forces aims to address this, which has been posted on social media and the Defence Force website. 

I am further advised by the military authorities that the Personnel Management System (PMS) operated by the Defence Forces, contains information on the range, type and quantity of duties performed by PDF personnel. This informs the calculation of remuneration for individual members. The military authorities have undertaken a feasibility study with a view to implementing a time and attendance system which will capture the hours work for serving members, which will provide further clarity in this regard. The proposed system is currently under review but I’m further advised that my officials are continuing to engage with the military authorities on the possibility of applying interim enhanced time recording measures.

As the Deputy will be aware, 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.

I would also like to highlight that in instances where members of the Defence Forces acquire technical qualifications and/or fill associated appointments, there is associated technical pay. Defence Force personnel also receive tax free payments for certain overseas deployments and duties. Furthermore, Defence Force personnel receive three additional public holidays over and above the public sector norms. These additional holidays are specific only to members of the Permanent Defence Force. 

As you are also aware, the Commission's Report included an examination of the evolution of all remuneration systems and structures currently in place in the Defence Forces, and made a number of recommendations in this area. Given the significant recommendations contained in this Report, I have been engaging with all interested stakeholders on the content, including my Ministerial colleagues, members of the Defence Forces, and the Representative Associations. I will revert to Government very shortly with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in this regard.

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