Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 February 2023
29. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the work to implement the Defence Forces Pay Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4092/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Defence Forces are paid increases in pay and allowances in line with Public Service pay agreements.
The most recent agreement, the extension to the ‘Building Momentum’ pay agreement, ratified by the Defence sector Representative Associations last autumn, provided for increases in pay and allowances to all public servants, including members of the Defence Forces. The agreement provided for a 6.5 % increase over 2022 and 2023, including:
- 3%, backdated to 2nd Feb 2022
- 2 % on 1st March 2023
- 1.5% or €750, whichever is the greater, on 1st October 2023.
Pensionable allowances in the nature of pay will also benefit.
The 3% increase back-dated to February 2022 was paid to all serving members of the Defence Forces members by 30 November 2022 last. Preparations are underway to pay the next tranche of 2%, due on 1st March 2023. In addition, the 1% increase backdated to 1 October 2022 [agreed under the original Building Momentum agreement] was also paid by 30 November 2022.
Given the complexity around Defence Forces pensions, a decision was made to prioritise on the 3% increase with arrears back-dated to February 2022, to ensure all Defence Force pensioners received some additional payment before Christmas last year; this was paid by 19 December 2022. Preparations are underway to pay the 1% pension increase backdated to 1 October 2022 with the next tranche of 2%, due in March 2023.
