asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the rates of pay and allowances payable to members of the Marine Service engaged on coast-watching duties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Remuneration in Marine Service.
The rates of pay of members of the Marine Service engaged on coast-watching duties are the same as apply to volunteers of other units, and are as follows:—
|
1st class privates |
3 |
0 a day |
|
2nd class privates |
2 |
9 a day |
|
3rd ,, ,, |
2 |
6 a day |
|
4th ,, ,, |
2 |
6 a day |
|
Corporal |
4 |
0 a day |
In addition to the above rates of pay there is, as on and from the 29th September last and until the termination of the emergency, being credited to the pay account of each non-commissioned officer and man pay at the rate of 6d. a day in respect of every day of paid permanent service as a non-commissioned officer or man.
Personnel on coast-watching duties are paid a special allowance of 3/- a day in lieu of rations and accommodation with an additional 2d. a day if fuel for the heating of the look-out posts cannot be supplied from Army stocks.
Mr. Byrne
Does the Minister not think that the allowances paid are, in the circumstances, grossly inadequate to meet the cost of living? The Minister has replied to three questions and has used the expression that "he regrets". Can he not do something more practical than regret?
In the question addressed to the Minister I note that those engaged on coast-watching duties are referred to as being attached to the Marine Service. Is that correct? Will the Minister say if the coast-watching duties have not recently been divorced from the Marine Service and handed over to the control of the land Defence Forces?
There is a dual type of control but they are mainly under the land Defence Forces.