asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the regulations governing the payment of discharge money and ration allowance to members of the Defence Forces.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Allowance Regulations.
I am assuming that the Deputy's question refers to the gratuities and ration allowance payable to soldiers on discharge or transfer to the Reserve Defence Force.
The Defence Forces (Pensions) Schemes 1937-1953 provide for the payment of short service gratuities to soldiers discharged or transferred to the Reserve Defence Force on completion of three or more years' service in the Permanent Defence Force. The rates of gratuities payable are based on rank and number of years' service.
Defence Force Regulations provide for the granting of leave of absence not exceeding the last 21 days prior to discharge or transfer to the Reserve Defence Force to soldiers who have rendered at least two years' and six months' continuous service in the Permanent Defence Force and leave of absence not exceeding the last 14 days prior to discharge or transfer to the Reserve Defence Force to soldiers who have rendered continuous service for not less than one year and six months in the Permanent Defence Force. Pay and ration allowance are issuable in respect of such leave prior to its commencement.