Minister Coveney announced significant improvements in pay and allowances for new recruits
Minister said the government will now implement two of the pay-related recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces report.
The Report reveals that all personnel of Private 3 Star/Able Seaman rank will be paid the full rate of MSA applicable to the rank, while at the same time, the requirement for that cohort to “mark time for the first three years at that rank will be removed.
It means pay rates for Private 3 Star/Able Seaman in their first three years of service will start at €34,798 in Year 1, rising to €37,353 in Year 3.
The daily ration allowance is being increased by 52% to reflect present-day inflation prices.
Minister Coveney informed delegates that payments of Technical Pay to eligible personnel, arising out of increases associated with the Review of Technical Pay Groups 2-6, would be complete by the end of this month.
Referring specifically to the issue of Post 1994 Contracts, the Minister welcomed the extension of service limits for Privates and Corporals, adding that a remedy for post- 1994 Sergeants is a key priority for him, and stating that discussions were ongoing with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on this important matter.