Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 April 2025
106. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if there is, and if he is aware of, a discrepancy between the pay of apprentice rank and Air Corps trainee military aircraft systems technician scheme (details supplied). [18133/25]
View answerAll recruits are required to successfully complete approximately 24 weeks induction training in order to be appointed to the rank of Private 3*. Payment of Military Service Allowance (MSA) only commences on appointment to that rank. All personnel in receipt of MSA can be called upon to carry out a range of duties, associated with this 3* rank.
For the Deputy's information, Military Service Allowance is an allowance designed to compensate Defence Forces personnel for the special disadvantages that go hand in hand with active service. These special circumstances include the hardship, danger and discipline associated with military life.
Apprentices, while undertaking their apprenticeship training do not hold the rank of Private 3* and are therefore not available for duties associated with the rank. MSA is therefore not paid to personnel who hold the rank of Apprentice.
