Sir, – Further to a letter of January 27th concerning pay rates for members of the Defence Forces, on completion of training, after approximately 26 weeks, a newly qualified three-star private earns €728.55 gross per week (inclusive of military service allowance), which equates to €38,001 gross annual pay, with scope for further income from duty allowances.
That increases to €39,400 (approximately €755 per week) in year two and €40,700 (approximately €780) in year three.
The current rate for the first 12 weeks in training as a recruit in the Defence Forces is €479.40 per week and not €334 per week, as suggested by your correspondent.
Indeed, after the first 12 weeks of training, the rate rises to €550.50 for the remaining 14 weeks of training.
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In assessing the remuneration for members of the Defence Forces, it is important to take account of the various elements – basic pay, allowances and other benefits – that contribute to the overall remuneration package.
Significant progress has been made on a range of technical payments and allowances. For example, the current patrol duty allowance paid to Naval Service personnel has, since January 1st, 2024, been doubled after 10 days at sea, resulting in the daily rate increasing from €64.27 to €128.54 for an enlisted person.
In addition, secondary healthcare is now provided to all enlisted personnel, as well as officers, to whom it was previously provided.
The broader remuneration package also includes access to medical, physiotherapy, pharmacy and dental care as well as the provision of fitness, training and sports facilities across its installations and the provision of fully funded opportunities to continue education to gain professional and academic qualifications. – Yours, etc,
JACQUI McCRUM,
Secretary General,
Department of Defence,
Newbridge,
Co Kildare.