Defence Forces
Dail Éireann — 2026-05-07
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Helen McEntee (FG), Meath East

I propose to take Questions Nos. 76, 85 and 93 together.
I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. He would probably agree that significant progress has been made on pay and conditions for Defence Forces personnel, particularly over the last six years. I have met with the various associations. I met with RACO on 22 January and its representatives raised the issue of cadet pay with me. As the Deputy will know, the matter is currently on the conciliation and arbitration agenda. At that time, I said that I would see whether we could give further consideration to the issue beyond what is being done through that system. I have asked my Department to look at that. During those discussions with RACO, I also outlined that any cost-increasing claims have to be addressed within the parameters of public pay policy. When dealing with our public servants, including members of the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána, we have to work within that public pay policy.
As the Deputy will 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 various qualifications. In addition, cadets are provided with accommodation and meals free of charge for the duration of their training. This is part of the overall package. For many young people starting off, rent and food make up a large chunk of the bills they have to pay so the fact that these are included is very welcome and certainly helps with the overall costs facing cadets. Cadets are required to complete a training period that is approximately 11 months longer than the training programme provided to recruits. They have to complete this programme before they are commissioned and operational. When they are commissioned, their starting pay ranges from €46,359 to €51,748, depending on whether they came in as school leavers or as 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, certain positions in the Defence Forces attract specialist and technical pay. There is additional pay to attract those with specialist qualifications. There is also 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, which starts at €15,000, for a six-month overseas deployment. Many of those in the 128th Battalion, which is heading to Lebanon in the time ahead, will receive that allowance.
Members of the Permanent Defence Force are a party to the current public service pay agreement. This provides for local bargaining. 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 paid under any successor pay agreement. There is an opportunity to examine pay and conditions, including cadet pay, through that particular process.
To the Deputy's question, negotiations are ongoing. The matter is on the conciliation and arbitration agenda. I would like to see that process concluded as quickly as possible. I have also asked my Department to look at other ways to support them on top of that. I can come back to that in my next response. It is about making sure we are investing in the physical environment and in our Defence Forces and that we are making it an attractive career, whether you come through as a cadet or through any other route.

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Retrieved: 2026-09-28T05:50:46+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-07