Cowen says increase in Defence Forces funding a step in right direction

Fianna Fáil TD for Laois-Offaly, Barry Cowen, says an increase in Defence Forces funding to €1.5bn by 2028 is a welcome step in the right direction towards enhancing our Defence Forces, with an increase in personnel numbers of 2,000 expected.

Deputy Cowen commented: “The Commission report on the future of the Defence Forces recommended a range of significant changes to support and enhance our Defence Forces into the future.

“I’m pleased to see this increase in funding. There has been a detailed consultation and engagement with all the key stakeholders to formulate this response to the commission's recommendations.

“The Government has committed to approving a High Level Action Plan, and noted the urgent need for HR and cultural transformation. This is welcome news for Defence Forces personnel and their families.”

It has been approved to move over a six-year period to a level of Defence Forces’ capability equivalent to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), which will entail funding increases to reach a defence budget of c. €1.5 billion.

Commencement of planning for military radar capabilities, including primary radar, and an increase in personnel numbers of 2,000 over the current establishment of 9,500.

Government will immediately progress the pay structure measures, including, Removal of the requirement for a Private 3 Star/Able Seaman to ‘mark time’ for the first three years at that rank, and Payment of the full rate of Military Service Allowance (MSA) applicable to the rank of all Private 3 Star/Able Seaman personnel.