Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 September 2025
176. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated cost for essential service commitment schemes for Naval Service and Army Specialist Corps cyber, ordnance and engineers. [49566/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra179. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of broad spectrum specialist retention scheme payments similar to that introduced by the Air Corps for ATC recently (details supplied). [49569/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 179 together.
Recruitment and retention of Defence Forces personnel remains a key Government priority. The retention of highly skilled personnel is a challenge for Defence Forces management given their high level of specialism. Military management regularly review their existing recruitment frameworks to ensure they are fully optimised and responsive to the needs of the Defence Forces. My Department works closely with the Defence Forces in developing and delivering enablers to support both recruitment and retention.
The Public Service Agreement 2024 - 2026 came into effect on 25 March 2024, to which members of the Permanent Defence Forces are a party. This is the agreed approach to public service pay for the period 1 January 2024 to 30 June 2026.
This agreement also provides for a Local Bargaining process. This mechanism will provide an avenue by which employers and grades, groups and categories of public servants can address issues involving changes in structures, work practices or other conditions of service. The parties will be able to bring forward proposals, up to a maximum value equivalent to 3% of basic pay. The Local Bargaining element is up to a maximum of 3% of pay costs, to include allowances in the nature of pay, with 1% relating to this agreement and the balance will fall to be addressed in any successor pay agreement.
There are no current plans for the introduction of further service commitment schemes.
