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

In these six months, I have been clear that I want to see us do more for cadets. There are quite a range of entry points, starting at €26,248 and going up to €39,026. A person's entry point depends on whether they enter on the higher scale as a graduate or otherwise. I cannot step into another role. The Representative Association of Commissioned Officers has sent in a claim. This is being dealt with through the conciliation and arbitration scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. Those discussions are confidential. While I would like to resolve the matter myself, I cannot do so. However, I would like to see it resolved as quickly as possible. We may have an opportunity to increase pay for our cadets and other members, including recruits, through local bargaining or otherwise through the public sector pay agreement.
It is essential that we look in the round at how to attract more people to the Defence Forces. Of course, an important part of that is pay and conditions. I accept that. We all know that. That is why, in recent years, we have made significant advancements on overall pay through the public sector pay agreements, on the health supports that are provided, on specific supports for those in the navy with particular programmes they are engaged in, on direct entry, and on allowances for specialised areas. More recently, issues around holiday pay, bank holidays and double time have been resolved. We need to make sure that, where issues and challenges arise, we respond to them quickly but in the context of the overall public sector pay agreement. As the Deputies will appreciate, this is not relevant only to the Defence Forces but we must make sure that our Defence Forces are represented and that, where there are increases, members at every level, including cadets, feel the benefits.
I will finish where the Deputy has alluded to very clearly. Cadets are valued members of Defence Forces as is the work they do. I know many people who have gone in through the cadet programme and are doing really well. They are people we are extremely proud of in the roles they are in. We need to make sure we provide every opportunity for people to enter and progress within the Defence Forces and to continue the really important work they do on the ground at home and overseas. That is my commitment in the time ahead as Minister.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-05-07/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-28T05:50:46+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-07