asked the Minister for Defence if it is proposed at an early date to increase the pay and allowances of soldiers to the extent that will provide a sufficient amount to meet the increase in the cost of living since their pay and allowances were last fixed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Soldiers' Pay and Allowances.
Mr. Byrne
The pay and allowances of all members of the Defence Forces were increased in September, 1951, with retrospective effect to the 15th January, 1951. The rates of pay and allowances are kept under constant examination, but it is not possible for me to give any promise that there will be further increases at an early date.
Mr. Byrne
Can the Minister state what the married soldiers with families are to do in view of the increase in the cost of living? The price of bread has been increased from 6d. to 9d. as a result of the Budget. What compensation is the Minister giving them to enable them to live as they lived before the Budget increased the price of their foodstuffs?