Tánaiste Micheál Martin Addresses Annual Delegate Conference of PDFORRA

The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, attended the Annual Delegate Conference (ADC) of the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association, (PDFORRA), in Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim, Co. Meath.

The Tánaiste welcomed the opportunity to address delegates on a number of key issues facing the Defence Forces, and acknowledged the range of improvements made over the last year with regard to pay and conditions. In his speech he noted the impact of these improvements, referencing that the starting pay for a three star private now commences at:

• €37,147 in Year 1, rising to
• €38,544 in Year 2, and
• €39,832 in Year 3

In addition to these pay measures, the Tánaiste announced the delivery of a Programme for Government and Commission on Defence Forces recommendation on healthcare provision for enlisted personnel, stating that, “agreement has been reached in principle, to allow all enlisted members of the Defence Forces to benefit from the same access to private secondary health care, thanks to the cooperation and assistance of Minister Donohoe, and the officials from my department and the Department of PENDPR.\”

“The details of how this will be implemented are now being considered with a view to introducing it as soon as possible. This commitment in the Programme for Government, and key recommendation from the Commission on Defence Forces report will be of immense benefit to the ranks represented by PDFORRA, who will be able to avail of referrals to private hospitals and consultants, as deemed clinically necessary by an examining Medical Officer, in line with the treatment for Officers.”

The Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy welcomed the announcement by the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin clarifying the provision of private secondary medical care to all members of the Defence Forces.

He stated, \”the health and wellbeing of my personnel has always been one of my key priorities as Chief of Staff and in particular, this initiative clarifying the position with regard to private secondary medical care for all members of the Defence Forces. This was also one of the early actions identified in the High-Level Action Plan for the Commission on the Defence Forces and is a further demonstration of the benefits of implementing the Commission’s recommendations.\”

“The benefits that this medical care will provide for the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann, in particular the enlisted ranks, will ensure we maintain the maximum operational readiness at all times, which is critical for the effective functioning of any military organisation.”

In his speech, the Tánaiste also referred to the recent Independent Review Group (IRG) report on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces, and issues around recruitment, retention, and mandatory retirement ages.