asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that the members of the Defence Forces are disappointed by the failure of the Government to increase their pay and allowances; and, if so, if he will state when they may expect to receive increases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Forces—Pay and Allowances.
Increases in pay and certain allowances for members of the Defence Forces were made effective from the 1st September, 1949. No further increases in pay and allowances for members of the Defenpce Forces are under consideration at present.
Is the Minister aware that the increases that were given with effect from 1st September, 1949, are entirely inadequate to meet the increase in the cost of living since then? Is the Minister further aware that, unless something is done now to increase the pay and allowances of members of the Defence Forces, it will be impossible for the Minister, or for the State, to have a Defence Force sufficient in strength to carry out the policy of the Government?
The Deputy is, surely, aware that the members of the Defence Forces are provided with their rations, and that, therefore, the cost of living does not affect them.
Of course it does. It affects their families.