asked the Minister for Defence if any decision had been arrived at regarding deferred pay, gratuity or other allowances to be paid to officers, temporary or otherwise, on their demobilisation or retirement from the Army on the expiration of the emergency or at any other time.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Demobilisation of Army Officers.
The payment of gratuities and retired pay to officers of the permanent Force who resign or are retired is governed by the Defence Forces (Pensions) Scheme, 1937.
No decision has been taken regarding the payment of gratuities to temporary officers on demobilisation.
Deferred pay is not payable to officers unless they served in the ranks prior to being commissioned, in which case payment will be made in accordance with Defence Force Regulations.
Does that mean that young officers leaving the Army, or being "demobbed" at any period, leave the Army without 6d. in their pockets other than that which they saved out of their inadequate pay? Is that the position, and if so, is it desirable?
They all knew the terms under which they enlisted. They were aware of the contract into which they entered.
But a gracious Government would consider, after they enlisted, something for their improvement. Having regard to the four or five or six years they will have given as officers in the Army during the emergency, is it desirable that they should leave the Army without 6d. in their pockets to start life over again?
I can assure the Deputy that the interest of the Army personnel is as active in my mind as it is in his. He need not worry about that.
If the Minister——
Question No. 30.
I am still asking my question. It has not been answered. If the Minister——
The Deputy should not, as on other occasions, attempt to dictate or formulate a Ministerial reply.
I dictate nothing, but I got no reply to my question. Officers leaving the Army will not have 6d. in their pockets. I was requested to ask the question.
May I ask a question?
Only as a supplementary to Question No. 30 in the name of Deputy Fogarty which question has been called.