Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2023
26. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his views on remarks made recently by a Lieutenant Colonel (details supplied) in the Irish Defence Forces regarding recruitment and retention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22023/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have previously acknowledged the current staffing difficulties in the Defence Forces. There is no question that the government is attempting to recruit its way out of the situation as suggested in the press article referred to.
Whilst general service recruitment, targeted service specific recruitment and direct entry recruitment continue, as well as re-entry schemes, these are complemented by a range of other measures to counter current staffing challenges.
These include service commitment schemes in the Air Corps and Naval Service, and the sea-going naval personnel tax credit. I also recently secured agreement to further extend the service of post-94 Privates and Corporals, similar to the interim arrangement agreed previously for Sergeants. This allows for their continuance in service to the end of 2024.
There has been significant progress on pay as a result of increases arising from the Public Service Pay Commission report, from recent pay agreements and from the early implementation of some of the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces. Current pay rates including Military Service Allowances for recruits on completion of their training, start at €37,147 in Year 1, rising to €38,544 in Year 2, and €39,832 in Year 3 of service. A graduate cadet on commissioning starts on a payscale, which includes Military Service Allowance that ranges from €46,406 to €54,696 depending on the type of appointment. A school leaver cadet starts at €41,123 whilst in full-time third level education. These compare very favourably with the starting pay with other areas of the public service.
Progress has also been made on the implementation of other recommendations of the Commission on Defence Forces report. An example is the recommendation endorsing the commitment in the Programme for Government on private healthcare for Defence Forces personnel. I have recently secured agreement on this, and all personnel can now avail of private secondary medical care, a facility only available to Officers up to this point. This is in addition to the comprehensive primary medical and dental care available to all personnel.
On the Working Time Directive, consultation with the Representative Associations is continuing. I have directed that a final management position on the implementation of the Directive is to be submitted to me for my consideration and approval in the coming weeks. Thereafter, my Department will be engaging formally with the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment who will take forward the appropriate legislative framework.
To drive necessary culture change throughout the Defence Forces, as the Deputy will be aware, the Government has agreed to progress, as a priority, the recently published Independent Review Group’s recommendations. I intend to bring forward Terms of Reference for the recommendation to establish a Statutory Inquiry as soon as possible.
