Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
70. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence when the outstanding payments due under the most recent local bargaining clause and under the national pay agreement will be paid; if she will acknowledge that the timely implementation of these payments is vital to retaining highly skilled and experienced members across the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32724/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for this question.
I would like to highlight that significant progress has been made, in terms of pay and conditions for Defence Force personnel, particularly over the last six years.
Under the current national pay deal, the Public Service Agreement 2024 - 2026, to which members of the Permanent Defence Forces are a party, pay adjustments totalling 7.25% have been applied up to the end of 2025.
A further 1% increase in basic pay, as well as allowances in the nature of pay, came into effect on 1 February 2026, and has had a further positive financial impact for members of the Defence Forces. Another 1% increase is due on the 1st of June.
In January 2020, a newly qualified three star Private could have expected to earn €28,944 gross per annum, on completion of their 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 a Private 3*, on completion of recruit training (which takes approximately 24 weeks), starts at €42,465.
Equally, for the Officer cohort, a 2nd Lieutenant - entry rank for school leaver cadet on commissioning - was paid €37,664 in October 2020. As of 01 February 2026 they are now paid €46,359. After 2 years they are promoted to lieutenant and their pay rises to €51,748.
Where a graduate joins – the pay rate on commissioning begins at €51,748.
As the Deputy is aware, the Public Service Agreement also allows for a Local Bargaining process, 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. Proposals involving changes in structures, work practices or other conditions of service can be negotiated through this process. The 1% allocation was due for implementation in September 2025.
My commitment to retaining skills and experience within the Defence Forces is reflected in our approach to Local Bargaining negotiations. Following very positive engagement between the Department, military management and the military representative associations, I am delighted to note that agreement in principle has been reached with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation on a number of the Local Bargaining proposals, while a number of other proposals remain under consideration.
I would like to particularly acknowledge the very constructive engagement by the Representative Associations - RACO and PDFORRA - in the local bargaining process. I know from my meetings with them in January this year that the process involved very constructive engagement. I look forward to that engagement continuing.
As negotiations are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment on specific details at this time. In accordance with the terms of the Local Bargaining mechanism, agreements reached under this mechanism will be published by the relevant sector. Where proposals are agreed locally and verified by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, they will be backdated to 1 September 2025.
