The Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO) is calling for pay increases for Defence Forces cadets.
RACO, which is holding its Annual Delegate Conference in Trim, Co Meath, this week, said entry level cadet pay is far less than the minimum wage and 41% below newly enlisted colleagues.
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris will today address the RACO conference where he is expected to be pressed on the issue of low pay.
Speaking outside Government Buildings this morning, Mr Harris said he will work with the association on the issue, adding that a business case around it has been submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure.
"We've made a lot progress in general in our Defence Forces. RACO have highlighted a legitimate issue around cadet pay, and I’m committed to working with them constructively in relation to that," he said.
The Tánaiste said he thinks there is a "legitimate issue" that RACO raised there, adding that "we have a number of mechanisms through which we can try to advance that".
"My overall message would be that pay in the Defence Forces has increased, quite rightly, and significantly, over the last period of time – but I want to work constructively.
"We’ve got to make sure we support the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann."
RACO General Secretary, Lieutenant Colonel Conor King said: "Cadet pay remains the lowest in the Defence Forces, at just €493.45 per week, compared to €540.05 for a recruit.
"Cadets remain on this pay for the entirety of their first year, while recruits move to an annual salary of €41,879.67 after just six months. Within that first year, a cadet earns 40.7% less than their enlisted counterpart, highlighting the significant early pay gap."
According to RACO, this disparity continues long after training because from the moment of enlistment, it takes an officer five years to catch up to an enlisted colleague in terms of career pay, despite undertaking longer training and assuming greater responsibilities.
The association said that while it welcomes the recent increases in enlisted pay, low cadet wages presents a serious barrier to recruitment.
"Should this not be addressed, then RACO will have no option but to recommend to future cadet applicants that they enlist as a recruit in the Defence Forces prior to commencing a cadetship," Lt Col King said.
RACO represents 1,225 serving officers of the Permanent Defence Forces, from 2nd Lieutenant to Colonel and equivalent Naval Service ranks.
Delegates will debate 26 motions over the next two days on issues such as pensions, overseas pay, and expedited citizenship for officers born outside of the state.
RACO said that the ongoing issue of inadequate staffing levels in operational units remains a pressing concern and that motions at this year's conference will highlight those challenges.
On the increasing geopolitical instability, President of RACO Lieutenant Colonel Martin Ryan said a well-resourced defence and national security system is critical.
"We need government to give urgent attention to the specialist skills required to meet emerging demands. This will ensure governance risks are managed effectively and that the welfare of members is protected," Lt Col Ryan said.
The association said it will also be calling on Minister Harris to address an issue in relation to Defence Forces Chaplains after they were told they could not receive representation from RACO as they "are not members of the Defence Forces".
RACO said the Chaplaincy Service has sought immediate clarity from the Department of Defence as to their status.
In Budget 2026, which was announced last week, a record €1.49 billion was allocated to Defence, an increase of €145 million, or 11%, compared to 2025.
Speaking outside Government buildings earlier, Mr Harris said Defence Force Chaplains should be entitled to get representation.
Mr Harris said: "I'd like to see that addressed, I think in this case men and women who represent Óglaigh na hÉireann who wear our uniform with distinction should always have an opportunity to join a representative association and I don’t think chaplains should be treated any differently in relation to that.
"They traditionally have, for maybe, many obvious and well-established reasons, maybe they’ve had higher representation than the rest of us over the years, but I think they should be allowed join rep bodies."
