Written Answers Nos. 61-81
61. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the required number of nurses, doctors and dentists required by the Army nursing service to operate at full capacity; the number in 2020; and the current number.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48883/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA wide range of primary care medical services, encompassing a broad array of disciplines are provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force under the auspices of the Defence Forces Medical Corps. A range of measures to ensure continuity of service of all aspects of medical care to personnel are employed, including outsourcing, contracted professionals and agency workers, as appropriate.
With regard to the number of personnel serving in particular roles, Defence Forces Regulation CS4 and its accompanying Administrative Instructions provide for the organisation and numerical establishment of Defence Forces Units, and includes the required number of doctors and dentists. I am informed by the military authorities of the following information regarding strength versus establishment for these positions in the years 2020 and 2025:
|
|
Strength 2020 (at 31 December) |
Strength 2025 (Current) |
Establishment (per CS4) |
|
Army Nursing Service |
2 |
1 |
N/A* |
|
Medical Officers |
19 |
23 |
28** |
|
Dental Officers |
3 |
4 |
7 |
*ANS positions are not included in the Permanent Defence Force (CS4) establishment.
**The Medical Officer establishment includes a psychiatrist position which is currently filled by a civilian consultant.
I am advised that there has been no recruitment into the ANS since the early 1990s. This is in line with the cessation of in-house hospital care in the Defence Forces in favour of external hospitalisation and specialist referral. There has also been an increase in the number of other medical professionals such as Emergency Medical Technicians, Combat Medical Technicians, Paramedics and Advanced Paramedics who can be deployed more readily both at home and overseas.
A Review of the Provision of Medical Services has been completed and is currently under consideration, with an implementation plan in development. The Review will inform future recruitment within the Defence Forces Medical Corps.
63. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the position regarding air traffic controllers and the impacts of the reduced staff force on Air Corps flights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49269/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing an operational decision taken by the military authorities earlier this year to restrict operational flight activity at Casement Aerodrome to a 5 day week (12 hours a day) service, I am advised that Air Traffic Control is now operational on a 7 day a week basis 12 hours per day (0800 – 2000).
There are a number of immediate and decisive steps my Department has taken to restore the restricted Air Traffic Control service in Casement Aerodrome to full operation as soon as possible. These measures, all now in progress, are designed to incentivise existing personnel and those considering leaving to remain in service.
In parallel with a number of HR initiatives I have approved since that decision, notably the introduction of a new Service Commitment scheme aimed at ATC personnel, my Department has entered into a contract with an external service provider to provide Flight Information Service Officer (FISO) services at the Aerodrome. The contract put in place, with the agreement of the military authorities, will assist them in restoring their capacity to return to full operational flight activities on a 24 hour 7 day a week basis.
64. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of students in the most recent intake of cadets into the Defence Forces; the steps his Department is taking to encourage more young people to join; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49123/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe military authorities have advised me that as of 31 July 2025, the latest date for which such information is available, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,540.
The government has introduced a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving recruitment and retention and making the Defence Forces a career of choice. These include an increase the maximum recruitment age to 39 for those roles that had a recruitment age below that, and to 50 for Direct Entry Officer specialists; an increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62; the application of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces in January of this year, subject to certain exemptions; and the extension of the provision of private secondary healthcare to all members of the Permanent Defence Force, in addition to unrivalled access to opportunities for education and training. There has also been significant progress on pay with the most recent increase awarded on 1 August 2025.
As regards Cadets specifically, a class of Cadets totalling 82 personnel was inducted to the Permanent Defence Force in 2024. This consisted of 56 Army Cadets, 13 Air Corp Cadets and 13 Naval Service Cadets. The 2025 Cadetship competition closed for applications in April. The Defence Forces is currently in the process of making offers to successful candidates and it is anticipated that a class of 80 Cadets will be inducted in October.
Interest in a career in the Defence Forces continues to grow strongly. There was a total of 13,348 applications for entry into the Permanent Defence Force in 2024, of which 1,795 were for the Cadets. The total number of applications received as of the 31 August 2025 stood at 12,462 of which 1,819 were applications for the Cadets. The Defence Forces is working to position the Defence Forces as an employer of choice by conducting long-term brand building, as well as direct recruitment activation. Activities centre on driving awareness of careers in the Defence Forces, building a positive perception of the Defence Forces as an organisation, and increasing applications.
The Defence Forces continue to broadcast this message to a wide range of candidates, including young persons, through regular visits to schools, Education and Training Boards and third-level institutions, in addition to frequent attendance at recruitment and career fairs/events. Furthermore, transition year students can avail of placements within the organisation to undertake various programmes, across a number of locations, demonstrating career opportunities.
65. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if Ireland intends to make use of the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) EU financial instrument; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37515/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe SAFE (Security Action for Europe) is an EU instrument designed to provide Member States with up to €150 billion of loans backed by the EU budget to provide financial assistance to Member States to support their urgent public investments in defence industrial production, aiming to increase production capacity, improve the availability of defence products and address capability gaps.
Following an assessment and engagement by officials from my Department with the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, the European Commission was informed that Ireland is not seeking SAFE funding at this juncture.
I remain focused on developing our national defence capabilities and transforming our defence forces. I believe SAFE can still play a valuable role in supplementing ongoing efforts by the Department of Defence through the collaborative opportunities presented by SAFE. Ireland will seek to play an active part in collaborating under the SAFE mechanism in joint procurement initiatives with other EU Member States where alignment with our national capability development plan is identified.
In line with this approach, the Department of Defence has already opened up the contract for the supply of Integrated Modular Body Armour Systems (IMBAS) to other EU Member States under the SAFE Regulation. This illustrates our support for SAFE in a very practical way. It further visibly demonstrates how the SAFE instrument can be used to the mutual benefit of Member States who choose to use it.
The Government continues to invest significantly in defence through the national budget, with an increase in capital funding of €1.7 billion allocated to the Defence Development Plan for the period 2026-2030. The funding represents an increase of €600 million or 55% on the previous baseline figure of €1.1 billion. This increase in funding will be utilised to address long-standing capability gaps, modernise core infrastructure needs and support the deliver of defence responsibilities over the coming years.
66. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department is considering redeploying peacekeepers to UNDOF in the next two years, considering the wind down of UNIFIL and expected increases in numbers of Defence Forces personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49297/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces has participated in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights since 2013, and they continue to maintain a presence in the Mission, in terms of maintaining three personnel in staff officer and observer roles. The Deputy will be aware that in April 2024, following a review of overseas deployments, the Defence Forces withdrew the Mission’s Force Reserve Company of 133 personnel, after which the Force Reserve Company role was assumed by Kazakhstan. The mandate of that Mission was recently extended until 31st December 2025.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the current contribution of some 434 personnel to overseas missions reflects the Government's continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security.
With regard to any future deployments of Defence Forces personnel overseas, Ireland considers the policy and political context and can also receive requests from time to time in relation to participation in various missions which are considered on a case-by-case basis. Any decision to deploy is made on the basis of policy advice and on the changing nature of demands and potential future mission profiles, as well as the assets and capabilities which can be made available by the Defence Forces for overseas deployment, given existing operational demands at home and overseas.
The changing nature of demands and potential future mission profiles must also be considered in the context of assets and capabilities that need to be acquired for overseas deployments, that are becoming more challenging in the current security environment. The impact of the current liquidity crisis at UN level also plays a role here. It is not clear as yet what impact this will have on current Mission budgets, but this adds a further complicating factor in terms of potential other or future overseas deployments.
67. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his plans for accommodation at the Manor Kilbride Army Camp and Range, County Wicklow. [49267/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe accommodation within Kilbride Training Camp has been made available to the Department of Justice, Home Affairs & Migration to accommodate International Protection applicants. Previously Defence Force personnel used accommodation at the Camp only on a short-term basis, during training in operational conditions.
68. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the measures being taken by his Department to create new accommodation for military personnel in Collins Barracks, Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49090/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra81. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department's property in Collins Barracks, Cork which is currently vacant will be refurbished to create accommodation for military personnel; if so, the timeline for this refurbishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49091/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 81 together.
The Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out a programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027. Under this plan, Collins Barracks has already seen the completion of a self-contained accommodation block for 41 personnel in 2024. This has significantly increased the supply of single living-in (SLI) accommodation for enlisted personnel stationed in Collins Barracks. In addition, the refurbishment of Block 1 Accommodation is now well advanced and will be completed in early 2026 providing further accommodation capacity within the Barracks.
69. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on the implementation of the Technology Strategy and Roadmap for his Department; the expected costs of the implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49122/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe five-year Technology Strategy and Roadmap for the Department of Defence was launched in March 2023 with the vision of the Department leading in the adoption of new technologies and digital ways of working to support the effective delivery of our policy objectives. Eight strategic objectives were identified including leveraging data as an enabler to inform decision-making; embedding high quality cyber security tools and procedures to mitigate against evolving risks; and promoting learning and development as an asset to develop ICT skillsets and capabilities across the Department.
A Digital and Technology Steering Board, with membership from senior leadership across the Department and an external IT leader, was established to provide high-level oversight on the implementation of the strategy. The board ensures alignment with the Department’s corporate strategy, business objectives and cross cutting Defence Forces’ technology initiatives. It also prioritises individual projects to ensure the most efficient use of the available resources.
New initiatives under the strategy are being delivered alongside support and maintenance of existing ICT services by a blend of Department staff and insourced specialist ICT resources.
A roadmap of opportunities has been identified to drive digital transformation across the Department. Many of these initiatives have been successfully delivered, with key achievements to date including the successful upgrade of our Oracle eBus Suite financial system, roll-out of the Civil Defence Volunteer and Equipment Management System, development of a new Procurement Tracking System and the introduction of Microsoft TEAMs for communication and collaboration across the Department. Other on-going initiatives have seen significant progress and will continue for the duration of the strategy including simulated phishing email campaigns and regular cyber security awareness training for all staff.
As we have now reached the half way stage of the strategy, a mid-term review has been initiated and will be progressed over the coming weeks. The review will include engagement with key stakeholders and will look to identify areas where new opportunities have emerged in the fast changing technology landscape. This will include a focus on opportunities for AI adoption and better use of data for policy development.
In relation to costs, following a public procurement competition, a team of specialist technical resources from Accenture was on-boarded in 2024 to support the Department in the delivery of technology strategy projects. Expenditure under this contract was €189,843 in 2024 and €530,425 to date in 2025 (both figures ex VAT). Due to the changing nature of the technology landscape and the evolving digital needs of the Department, the roadmap of work must be agile and adaptable to meet changing priorities. However, it is expected costs will remain broadly similar over the remaining term of the strategy.
70. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the position regarding Ireland's preparedness for a significant cyber-attack on his Department's offices and institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49040/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn terms of cyber security at national level, the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has the lead role with inputs in the security domain from An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), an operational arm of that Department, is the primary authority responsible for cyber security in the State.
The main roles of the NCSC are to lead in the management of major cyber security incidents across government, provide guidance and advice to citizens and businesses on major cyber security incidents, and develop strong international relationships in the global cyber security community for the purposes of information sharing.
The NCSC encompasses the State's National/Governmental Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT-IE). CSIRT-IE is an internationally accredited response team with its main function being the enhancement of situational awareness for constituents and for the provision of incident response for national cyber security incidents. CSIRT-IE has initially focused on the State sector and acts as a national point of contact for all cyber security matters concerning Ireland.
I can inform the deputy that my Department places a high priority on cyber security and fully cooperates and takes guidance from the NCSC. My Department actively participates in the Government Cyber Security Coordination & Response (GovCORE) network, facilitating information sharing and best practice exchange with other public sector bodies.
My Department’s core IT infrastructure is provided by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) under the 'Build to Share Managed Desktop' shared service.
My Department, working with the OGCIO, implements a multi layered defence-in-depth security strategy which is achieved through the effective combination of People, Processes, and Technology to support the implementation of appropriate security measures and provisions. This defence-in-depth security strategy includes the implementation of an extensive Information Security Management System (ISMS) comprising of many security policies and controls, which is aligned and certified to the industry security standard ISO 27001:2022 to address risks from cyber security attacks. These security controls ensure that a consistent and effective approach is adhered to in the management of cyber security threats and incidents.
In the context of the Defence Forces, the Report on the Commission on Defence Forces recommended, and the Government accepted, that the Defence Forces need to be capable of delivering military operations in the cyber domain. To develop this capability, the Defence Forces have established a Joint Cyber Defence Command. This new Command will be capable of conducting the full-spectrum of cyber defence operations at home and overseas, to enhance national cyber defence resilience and contingent capabilities.
From an operational and security perspective, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on specific details of measures taken in relation to cyber security.
71. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress to date in implementing the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49233/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, and its report was published on the 9th of February 2022. There were 130 recommendations in total, comprising 69 main recommendations, with 61 further sub recommendations. The Commission recommended significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covered high-level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
Given the significant recommendations contained in the Report, detailed consideration of these recommendations was undertaken with a High Level Action Plan (HLAP) and a Memo for Government brought to Government and approved on July 12th 2022. This involved the approval of a move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2) by 2028, as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. This will result in the Defence budget rising from €1.1 billion to €1.7billion, as per capital allocation under the National Development Plan (2026–2030), the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State. This will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment that were identified by the Commission.
The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, was published on 21 November 2023. This plan sets out an ambitious programme of work to move to Level of Ambition 2 (enhanced capability) and the significant and fundamental change for the Defence Forces that will be delivered under the following themes:
• Strategic HR and Cultural Change;
• New Command and Control and Joint Structures to be established;
• Services to be reformed and restructured;
• Reserve Defence Force to be revitalised; and
• Joint Capability Development to be implemented.
Much progress has been achieved since the Commission’s report was published, with the recommendations implemented to-date having had a significant impact on members of the Defence Forces.
This includes changes made to the existing Naval Service allowances, as a means of simplifying current structures, by consolidating the daily allowance and the sea-going commitment scheme into one enhanced allowance.
In addition to this, extension of private secondary healthcare to enlisted ranks was implemented in September 2023.
In terms of recruitment, a number of initiatives have been progressed to counter staffing challenges in the Defence Forces, The Government agreed to increase the maximum retirement age for Permanent Defence Force personnel to 62. This facilitated an increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 for those roles. The maximum recruitment age for Direct Entry Officer specialists has been increased to 50.
43 of the Commission's recommendations are now fully implemented, with many more nearing completion. An update to the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces is currently being finalised. It is my intention to publish the update to the plan in October.
Transformation efforts of this magnitude take time, and can only be successful if they are built on solid foundations. I have confidence that the structures that have been put in place and progress to date will ensure the successful delivery of the transformation effort.
73. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on his attendance at the recent informal Meetings of EU Defence Ministers. [48982/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI attended the most recent informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers, which took place in Copenhagen on the 28th and 29th of August 2025. The three main topics on the agenda for this meeting were EU military support to Ukraine, Defence Readiness, and CSDP Missions and Operations.
Discussions around EU support to Ukraine took place against the backdrop of a significant Russian missile attack on Kyiv which killed 14 civilians and damaged the EU Delegation building in the city. This session covered issues around the provision of financial support via the EPF, the continuing delivery of training via EUMAM Ukraine and the EU's role in security guarantees for Ukraine. This session was attended by the Ukrainian Minister of Defence Denys Shmyhal and NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska.
In terms of Defence Readiness, discussions sought to build on the work done at the June European Council where Member States identified nine priority areas for investment and capability development. These priority areas include areas of potential interest to Ireland such as critical infrastructure protection, cyber defence and maritime surveillance. During this session, Ministers discussed potential ways to close the most urgent capability gaps.
The session on CSDP Military Missions and Operations foregrounded the importance of these EU missions to global security. Among other aspects, Ministers discussed ways to ensure these missions and operations work closely with the host and partner countries to address their needs. Ireland participates in and supports the continuation of EU Missions and Operations, in particular Operation Althea, EUMAM Ukraine and Operation Irini where Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed.
In light of the recent decisions taken around UNIFIL and the end-date of December 2026 proposed for that Mission, and in terms of demonstrating continued international support for Lebanon, I took the opportunity to raise with colleagues the possibility of future CSDP engagement to support the Lebanese Government and its Armed Forces.
74. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of funding the full implementation of the Working Time Directive, welfare provisions; and the way in which he intends to address this. [49301/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware the Working Time Directive was implemented in January 2025 across the Defence Forces and serving members now enjoy its protections, subject to certain exemptions. In addition, a wide range of protections are also in place, specifically in regard to recreation and welfare facilities, deemed necessary and approved by military authorities, where personnel are on duty for an out of scope activity or are on-call in barracks with respect to such activity.
Such provisions are funded from central funds. This is in addition to gym and training equipment, approved by Military Authorities, which will also be sourced from central funds.
Any funding requests from the military authorities beyond existing resources, for approved measures, are to be sought in line with normal estimates process.
The implementation of the Organisation of Working Time Act provisions remains a work in progress with many of the welfare measures at various stages of approval/ implementation, thus making it difficult at this stage, to give an accurate estimate of the full implementation costs.
That said, the military authorities have advised, that concerning one of the welfare protections in place, namely the provision of one home reunion flight to Ireland, for personnel on a 6 month deployment, in circumstances where it is determined by the military authorities that annual leave cannot be taken in the mission area due to the security environment assessment, the cost to date is approximately €118k. In addition, the year-one cost for the implementation of a modern time and attendance management IT system to support implementation of the WTD is expected to be in the region of €1,100,000.
75. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will, in the interest of equity, seek an increase in cadets' pay to bring it in line with the starting pay of a 3-star private as both are similarly trained and qualified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49124/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for raising this matter.
As the Deputy is aware there has been significant progress made in terms of pay and conditions for the Defence Forces personnel, particularly over the last six years.
The starting pay of a school leaver cadet, on commissioning, was €30,884 in 2019. As of 01 August 2025 a school leaver Cadet, on commissioning to 2nd Lieutenant, is paid €45,795, an increase of 49%.
After 2 years at the rank, they are promoted to lieutenant and their pay rises to €51,184.
Where a graduate joins – the pay rate on commissioning begins at €51,184. These rates all include pensionable military service allowance.
In May 2019 a newly qualified three-star private could have expected to earn €27,759 gross per annum on completion of his/her initial training. That has now increased to €41,880 per annum.
As the Deputy is aware, different payscales also apply during the training period for both cadets and recruits. The current payscale applicable to cadets ranges from €25,748 to €38,526, depending on qualification. In addition, Cadets are also provided with accommodation and meals free of charge for the duration of their training, as part of their overall package.
The Deputy has referenced the fact that Cadets are similarly trained and qualified as a 3* Private during the first six months of training. While I appreciate the point made, Cadets are required to complete a further period of training of approximately 11 months before they are commissioned and operational. In summary Cadets are not available for duty following their initial six months training and therefore the comparison is not equal.
During their training periods, Cadets and Recruits are not paid Military Service Allowance. This allowance is paid to all ranks up to and including Colonel, who have completed their training, for the unpredictable nature of the work encountered by the Defence Forces.
Cadets receive Military Service Allowance (MSA) when they have been formally commissioned after their training, while recruits receive MSA when they are appointed to the rank of 3* Private or equivalent and are operational. The payment of MSA provides a significant increase in pay for personnel. The need for Cadets and recruits to complete training periods of different duration impacts on the timing of this payment and therefore comparisons on a like for like basis are not appropriate.
I would like to highlight that the current Public Service Pay Agreement, to which members of the Permanent Defence Forces are a party, provides for a Local Bargaining process. The parties can bring forward proposals, up to a maximum value equivalent to 3% of basic pay, with 1% to be paid from the current Agreement, and the balance to be addressed in any successor pay agreement. There is an opportunity to examine pay and conditions, including Cadet pay, through that process. I understand that local Bargaining discussions are currently underway between the Department of Defence, military authorities and the Representative Associations PDFORRA and RACO.
79. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the pay and conditions of members of the Defence Forces. [49209/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSignificant progress has been made, in terms of the pay and conditions for Defence Force personnel, particularly over the last six (6) years. Under the current national pay deal, the Public Service Agreement (PSA) 2024-2026, a further 1% increase in basic pay, as well as allowances in the nature of pay, came into effect on 1 August 2025, and will have a further positive financial impact, for members of the Defence Forces.
For context, in May 2019 a newly qualified three-star private could have expected to earn €27,759 gross per annum (including military service allowance but excluding duty allowances), on completion of his/her initial training.
Following the implementation of a number of pay related Commission on Defence Forces recommendations, coupled with ongoing pay increases being applied as part of national pay agreements, at present recruit pay, on completion of training (which takes approximately 24 weeks), starts at:
• €41,880 in Year 1 -
• €43,304 in Year 2 -
• €44,618 in Year 3 -
Thus, the starting pay for a Private Three Star, since 2019, has risen by €14,121 which represents a 49% increase.
Equally, for the Officer cohort, a school leaver Cadet, on commissioning, was paid €30,884 in 2019. As of 01 August 2025 a school leaver Cadet, again on commissioning, is now paid €45,795, which is a second lieutenant position.
As such, in the last 6 years a cadet's pay, on commissioning, has increased by €14,911 in 6 years, or by 49%. Furthermore, after 2 years they are promoted to lieutenant and their pay rises to €51,184.
Where a graduate joins – the pay rate on commissioning begins at €51,184. These rates all include pensionable military service allowance, which is an allowance that is paid to all ranks up to and including the rank of Colonel, for the unpredictable nature of the work encountered by the Defence Forces.
In the conversation surrounding the pay and conditions of members of the Defence Forces, it is important to point out that in addition to basic pay and military service allowance, certain positions in the Defence Forces also attract specialist and technical pay. Additionally there is scope for further income from duty allowances for specific duties carried, out on an ongoing basis, as well as the possibility of earning a tax-free duty allowance, starting at €15,000, for a 6 month overseas deployment.
The Deputy may also be aware of the changes to Patrol Duty Allowance for Naval Service personnel which came into effect on 1 January 2024. This measure resulted in the Patrol Duty Allowance being doubled after ten days at sea. This particular measure provides greater clarity on the overall incentive package available to members of, and potential recruits to, the Naval Service.
Key changes introduced to broader conditions include extension of private medical care to all personnel; increases to mandatory retirement ages and recruitment ages, and earlier this year, the removal of the blanket exemption from the Organisation of the Working Time Act.
As outlined, positive progress has been made on pay and conditions in the Defence Forces. There is a significant increase in interest in joining the Defence Forces over the last two years. We will continue to ensure that Defence Forces remains an employer of choice.
80. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update regarding the progress made by his Department in progressing the Defence Amendment Act 2025. [49118/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe General Scheme of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2025 was approved by Government in March of this year.
The General Scheme was subsequently referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Defence and National Security for consideration under the Pre-Legislative Scrutiny process.
The purpose of this Bill is to:
(a) revise and consolidate the current legislation, including the provisions concerning the operation of the so-called 'Triple Lock' mechanism, relating to the despatch of members of the Defence Forces for service outside the State; and,
(b) give effect to recommendations pertaining to suspension and associated provisions contained within the report prepared by Mr Peter Ward, Senior Counsel, concerning the management of members of the Defence Forces charged, with or convicted of, serious criminal offences.
The pre-legislative scrutiny (PLS) of the Bill was completed at the end of July with the publication of the Joint Oireachtas Committee's Report. The PLS Report included a number of recommendations in respect of the content of the Bill, and also in respect of broader policy matters. I am taking the time now to fully consider the recommendations made by the Committee and I thank the Chair and the Committee for their constructive and positive engagement throughout the PLS process.
The drafting of the Bill is continuing in conjunction with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel and I expect to bring a Memo to Government seeking approval for the text of the Bill later in the year. I would anticipate that debate on the Bill would commence in the Houses of the Oireachtas shortly thereafter.
