Soldiers are to receive increases in pay of 8.5 per cent under a new agreement with the Government.
From October 1st 9,000 privates and non-commissioned officers will receive increases worth between £40 and £60 a week.
The agreement also recognises that the National Minimum Wage Act applies to the Defence Forces. Previously, recruits were paid less than the legal minimum wage.
The agreement was reached between the Permanent Defence Forces Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) and the Departments of the Taoiseach, Finance and Defence.
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The agreement provides for the Oireachtas to appoint a legislative ombudsman to deal with soldiers' grievances.