Tom Brabazon
Ceist:217. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Defence if there are any plans to review current levels of pay for cadets in the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12000/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 17 February 2026
Ceisteanna (217)
Freagraí scríofa
I met with representatives of RACO on 22 January and they raised the issue of Cadet pay with me. I have agreed to give further consideration to this issue. I outlined however, at the meeting, that any cost-increasing claims must be addressed within the parameters of public pay policy.
As the Deputy may be aware, different pay scales apply during the training period for both cadets and recruits. The current pay scale applicable to cadets ranges from €26,248 to €39,026, 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.
Cadets are required to complete a period of training that is approximately 11 months longer than the training programme provided to recruits. The Cadet training programme must be completed before they are commissioned and operational. On commissioning their starting pay ranges from €46,359, to €51,748, depending on whether they came into the Cadetship as school leavers or graduates.
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.
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.