190. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence her views on the matter of entry-level cadet pay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54264/26]

I thank the Deputy for this question.

At the outset I would like to highlight the significant progress that Government has made on pay and conditions for Defence Force personnel, particularly over the last five years, including in the area of Cadet pay.

For context, in July 2021 the first entry-level point for a cadet joining the Defence Forces was €19,640. As of the 1st of June 2026 the first point on the scale for a cadet joining the Defence Forces is  €26,510 - an increase of almost €7,000 (35%).

Different pay scales apply during the Cadetship period depending on qualification, with the current pay scale applicable to cadets ranging from €26,510 to €39,416.  Cadets are also provided with accommodation and meals free of charge for the duration of their training, as part of their overall package.

Following the cadetship, on commissioning, the Officers' starting salaries range from €46,823 to €52,265, depending on whether they joined as school-leavers or graduates.

I am very pleased to note that there is a continuing very high level of interest in cadetships, with 2,878 applications for cadetships received this year for 80 places.  This compares with 1,819 applications received last year and 1,791 applications received in 2024.

I know that the issue of cadet pay is a matter that the Representative Association for Commissioned Officers wish to progress.  As I have previously outlined to the House, RACO raised this issue with me when we met in January. The issue is on the agenda of the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Forces. However, I also outlined at that meeting that any cost-increasing claims must be addressed within the parameters of public pay policy.

I understand that there has been engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation on the issue of Cadet pay and they have highlighted the public service pay agreements.

I also understand that there has been civil/military management engagement to explore the issue of Cadet pay and that engagement is continuing.

As outlined, there has been positive progress on pay and conditions in the Defence Forces.  I will continue to keep pay and conditions under review, to ensure that we continue to attract high calibre personnel into the Defence Forces.