Defence Forces pay and voting
Deputy Fitzpatrick pressed for a pay package for the Defence Forces similar to that given to gardaí, citing low pay and high turnover. Deputy O'Loughlin added concerns about Defence Forces members missing out on voting in the election; the Minister said voting complaints should go to the returning officer and that Defence Forces pay was rising under agreements.
On the defence Bill, poor rates of pay and allowances are driving personnel out of the Defence Forces. The Army is losing good employees, with approximately 9% of personnel leaving every year. I have spoken to constituents who are members of the Defence Forces. They enjoy their job and they want to serve their country but they cannot survive on poor wages, in particular those who have young families to support. Not only are their earnings below the minimum wage, but they are below the living wage. Currently, a soldier who works a 24-hour duty on a Saturday takes home with-----
Comment on this
In 2017, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, conceded a €50 million pay package to avert a strike by gardaí. The situation in respect of the Defence Forces is similar.
Comment on this
The Deputy is making a statement. A question, please, Deputy. I take everybody in good faith.
Comment on this
Will a package similar to that provided for An Garda Síochána be provided for the Defence Forces?
Comment on this
I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I listened to the interview this morning with Cathal Berry. It was chilling but not surprising. I have been working closely with Sarah Walshe and the Wives & Partners of the Defence Forces, WPDF, in terms of giving a voice to those in the Defence Forces who do not have one. Where they have a voice is in regard to voting. I was disturbed to learn at the count centre in Kildare that many of our serving members did not get an opportunity to vote. I understand that the ballot boxes for those serving overseas were not sent. I saw photographs of boxes of ballot papers, which were taken on Monday, which was after the election. Many serving personnel had their votes transferred to their homes.
Comment on this
In situations where they were received too late, they were brought to count centres but not accepted. This matter needs to be investigated.
Comment on this
Complaints of the type mentioned by the Deputy should be referred to the returning officer in the specific area.
On pay for members of the Defence Forces, pay is increasing under the pay agreements. For example, the average pay plus allowances for enlisted personnel is €41,189 and average pay plus allowances for officers is €64,278. This will improve under the Low Pay Commission report.