Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2026
15. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence for an update on the implementation of long-service increment recommendations contained within the Commission on the Defence Forces report; and the measures being taken to improve recruitment and retention within the Defence Forces. [35390/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission on Defence Forces (CoDF) Report recommended that Long Service Increments be introduced to the pay scales of all ranks of enlisted personnel. This recommendation was identified as requiring Further Evaluation by Government in July 2022.
The further evaluation of this CoDF recommendation has concluded. The outcome of the evaluation is that the introduction of long service increments for enlisted personnel can be considered through the local bargaining process provided for as part of the National Pay Agreements. Discussions are continuing with all the relevant stakeholders in that regard.
The retention of personnel is of great importance. I will continue to keep pay and conditions under review, to ensure that we continue to attract and retain high calibre personnel into the Defence Forces. Significant progress has been made on pay and conditions in recent years.
In October 2020, a newly qualified three-star Private could have expected to earn €29,326 gross per annum, on completion of his/her initial training.
Following the implementation of a number of other pay related Commission on Defence Forces recommendations, coupled with ongoing pay increases being applied as part of national pay agreements, at present a three-star Private, on completion of recruit training (which takes approximately 24 weeks), starts at:
• €42,465 in Year 1.
• €43,890 in Year 2.
• €45,204 in Year 3.
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.
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 work in the Defence Forces.
Other key changes introduced to broader conditions include the extension of private medical care to all personnel; increases to mandatory retirement ages and recruitment ages, a doubling of the Patrol Duty Allowance after 10 days at sea, the removal of the blanket exemption from the Organisation of the Working Time Act and the extension of a service commitment scheme for pilots in the Air Corps to their Air Traffic Control colleagues.
