Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2026
164. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence regarding the Army Nursing Corps, the current cost for using agency nurses for covering nursing duties in the Defence Forces; the number of hours that were covered by these agency nurses for the 2025 fiscal year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49680/26]
View answer165. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Defence regarding the Army Nursing Corps, the current cost for using agency nurses for covering nursing duties in the Defence Forces, in total for 2025; the average hourly cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49755/26]
View answer166. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Defence regarding the Army Nursing Corps (ANC), the pay scale for an ANC nurse; the number of hours covered by agency nurses in the Defence Forces for the 2025 fiscal year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49756/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 164, 165 and 166 together.
The Army Nursing Service (ANS) forms part of a wide range of medical services that are provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF). The ANS forms a key component within primary health care and occupational health, which encompasses a broad range of disciplines. Nurses play an educational role informing members of the PDF of measures that can prevent disease and injury, as well as the more traditional roles performed by nurses, e.g. phlebotomy, patient care, administering vaccinations, and so on.
I am informed by the military authorities that the most recent full-year cost for agency nursing services (2025) was €870,800, with an average hourly cost of €56.12 inclusive of all fees. A total of 15,518 hours were covered by agency nurses in 2025.
The ANS comprises a number of different grades with a variety of payscales, up to a maximum of €94,073 for Matron. A full copy of the current ANS payscales, with effect from 01 June 2026, is available online at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-defence/organisation-information/routinely-published-information/#defence-forces-pay-scales
My officials are currently working with the military authorities in considering options to ensure the long-term continuing delivery of this vital service.
