Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
110. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Defence if she will provide necessary benefits and improve the quality of work for Defence Forces personnel in accordance with the European Social Charter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33102/26]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that a report from the European Committee on Social Rights was issued last February in relation to Ireland's compliance with the European Social Charter on two specific issues - remuneration for certain work carried out by Defence personnel on public holidays and arrangements for compensation of overtime.
While Ireland was found to be in breach of these issues, I was pleased to note that the Committee also found that "several positive developments" have been progressed by Ireland in compliance with the Charter. In particular, the removal of the blanket exemption for the Defence Forces from the Organisation of Working Time Act, last January 2025, was acknowledged.
For the Deputy's information, there are provisions in place in relation to working on a Public Holiday and where personnel are required to work long or unsocial hours.
When required to work on a public holiday, members of the Defence Forces are compensated in accordance with the Organisation of Working Time Act. Additional or irregular hours worked by the Defence Forces are compensated through allowances and structured systems of compensatory rest. In addition, a pensionable Military Service Allowance (‘MSA’), 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.
I have been advised that a recommendation will be delivered from the Committee of Ministers' Rapporteur Group on Social and Health Questions (GR-SOC) in June. I will review the matter further in the context of the recommendation once received.
In the meantime, I can assure the Deputy that numerous measures have been implemented in recent times, which are making significant positive improvements to the pay and overall conditions for Defence Force members. These include:
• A further general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% with effect from 1st February 2026 under the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026, bringing starting salary levels to €42,465 in Year 1 for a recruit on completion of basic training (approx. 24 weeks); €46,359 for a school leaver cadet on commissioning and €51,748 for a Graduate Cadet on commissioning (all figures include Military Service Allowance).
• Increases in the maximum ages of recruitment and retirement respectively.
• The extension of private secondary healthcare to all personnel.
• The application of the provisions of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces, subject to certain exemptions.
• Increases to the Patrol Duty allowance payable to Naval Service personnel at sea which has been doubled after ten days at sea in a calendar year.
• Extension of the Naval Service tax credit up to 2029.
• Extension of the Service Commitment Scheme for pilots in the Air Corps to Air Traffic Control personnel.
• Introduction of a Professional Instructor Payment for Officers.
Budget 2026 has provided a record allocation of €1.49 billion for the Defence Sector, an increase of €145 million on 2025. These funds include, among other things, a provision for the recruitment of a net 400 additional PDF members per annum.
