asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that considerable delay is being experienced by members of the Regular Army in the matter of the payment of their gratuities; and if he will expedite the payment of these gratuities in the future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Payment of Army Gratuities.
I presume the Deputy is referring to the emergency gratuities of those soldiers of the Forces who will not be due for discharge or transfer to the Reserve at the end of the emergency. In the case of such members of the Regular Army, the regulations provide for the payment of the gratuities into the Post Office Savings Bank as soon as possible after the end of the emergency. When the time for payment comes every effort will be made to pay these particular gratuities with the utmost expedition.
For that purpose has the emergency not yet ceased?
No.
Have any of these men been paid gratuities?
None of the regulars, no.
Will the Minister say when it is expected that the emergency will come to an end?
I cannot give any opinion on that.