asked the Minister for Defence whether, in view of a general dissatisfaction amongst junior officers regarding the system of fixing rents for houses, he will undertake to have the general position reviewed with a view to amelioration of the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fixing of Rents for Army Officers.
I presume the Deputy's question refers to junior officers in occupation of official married quarters. The existing system of deductions from pay for officers' married quarters was fixed only after full consideration of all the relevant factors and I do not propose to review the system at this stage.
Is the Minister aware that an officer, meriting promotion by virtue of his efficiency, can have his promotion pay increase swallowed up by the increase in rent for the same house that he was in occupation of the night before? Does the Minister consider that that is a fair system of differential rents?
I am satisfied that it is the best system of many which have been tried out.
Is the Minister seriously asserting that in this House? The Army will be interested in that.
I am seriously suggesting it.