asked the Minister for Defence whether any promise was made by the United Nations Organisation that a short period of leave would be granted each month to the Irish military personnel whilst serving in the Congo; if so, whether the leave has been granted, or will be granted before the first detachments of Irish troops leave the Congo; and whether any special payment will be made by the United Nations to the military personnel in respect of these periods of leave.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Military Personnel in Congo.
31.
The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative.
I understand that it has not been possible so far to grant leave to the United Nations personnel and I cannot say whether the exigencies of the situation will continue to preclude the granting of leave to our troops before they come home.
I also understand that regulations governing the grant of leave and the financial arrangements to apply in respect of leave are about to be promulgated by the United Nations.
Do I take it that if this leave is not granted before the Contingent in the Congo comes home they will get the financial benefit attaching to the leave and payment therefor when they return here? Will these payments be at United Nations standard or at our standard?
I shall refer that to the Minister himself. I could not answer that because it is too technical for me at the moment.
32.
asked the Minister for Defence whether a decision has yet been reached regarding an increase in the present overseas allowance paid to Irish military personnel serving in the Congo; and, if so, whether he will state the amount of the increase and the dates from which it will be operative.
As I informed the Deputy in reply to a question put down by him on the 1st instant the question of the adequacy of the overseas allowance payable to our troops serving with the United Nations Force in the Congo is under active consideration. A decision has not yet been reached in the matter.
Is it likely to be reached before they come back?
I would not be in a position to say. I understand it is under active consideration. That is as much as I can say.
May I take it that, if a decision has not been reached by the time they come back, that will not prejudice the grant of the allowance to them when they return?
That is again a matter upon which I do not want to make a statement.