Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
269. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Defence to detail the potential Defence Forces overtime, associated costs and security planning for the upcoming Presidency of the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17219/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the context of the forthcoming EU Presidency, security rests primarily with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and An Garda Síochána.
I am advised that the Defence Forces are in ongoing discussions with An Garda Síochána, on a range of security matters particularly in an Aid to the Civil Power capacity as part of the formers preparation for the Presidency. I trust the Deputy will appreciate in the circumstances that prospective costings are currently not available and as such it is not appropriate to comment further on operational or security details at this juncture.
With regard to overtime, unlike other areas of the public service and due to the nature of the duties performed, overtime or shift allowance payments are not available to members of the Defence Forces.
Remuneration for individual members of the Permanent Defence Force is dependent on a range of factors relating to the role and duties they perform. The minimum for trained personnel is comprised of Basic Pay and Military Service Allowance.
Military Service Allowance (MSA) is paid up to and including the rank of Colonel. It is designed to compensate for the special conditions associated with military life including: unsocial hours of duty; exposure to danger, and the restrictions inherent in military discipline.
While there are a number of different factors considered in the payment of Military Service Allowance, with effect from 1st February 2026 the enlisted personnel allowance rate ranges from €166.98 to €177.76 per week and the Officer allowance rate ranges from €6501 - €7020 per annum.
