Defence Forces pay package due to be unveiled tomorrow

A long-awaited pay rise for soldiers serving in Athlone's Custume Barracks could be on the cards with the Government due to unveil proposals for a €10.1 million package of pay increases for members of the Defence Forces tomorrow (Wednesday).

The move comes against a mounting tide of criticism over the pay and conditions for Defence Forces personnel, and against a backdrop of a rapidly escalating exodus of members from the Defence Forces, which is down to its lowest ever level of less than 8,500 serving members.

The report is understood to recommend that military service allowances, which currently range from €42 to €123 per week, be increased by 10%, as part of a move to improve recruitment and retention of personnel, and that pay cuts imposed in 2013 be reversed.

In addition to these measures, a loyalty bonus up to a maximum of €19,000,is expected to be put in place in an effort to encourage pilots to remain in the Defence Forces.

The pay proposals will be brought to Cabinet by Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, Paschal Donohoe, and are based on a report drawn up by the Public Service Pay Commission.

If approved by Government, it is expected that the new increased allowances will come into effect immediately.

The issue of pay for Defence Forces personnel was raised at a meeting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District yesterday (Monday) by Cllr Aengus O'Rourke, who claimed that soldiers were “queuing up to leave” and that morale within the Defence Forces is “on the floor.”

See full report of the Council debate in this week's issue of the Westmeath Independent.