asked the Minister for Defence the rates of gratuities paid to members of the FCA; when they were fixed at the present scale; and if he will amend the scheme to provide for payment of increased gratuities to personnel who attend on more than the minimum number of occasions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - FCA Gratuities.
28.
The rates of gratuities payable to members of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil who attended for the undermentioned periods of full-time training or instruction and who fulfil the conditions regarding attendance at local training parades are as follows:—
|
Continuous period of 7 days' or more but less than 14 days' full-time training or instruction |
Continuous period of not less than 14 days' full-time training or instruction |
|
|
£ |
£ |
|
|
An Area Commander, an officer of a Brigade Staff, or an officer in command of a Company, Battery, Fort Complement or Squadron |
5 |
15 |
|
Other officers |
3 |
10 |
|
Non-commissioned officers |
2 10s. |
8 |
|
Privates |
2 |
6 |
These rates were fixed on the 4th August, 1950.
I do not propose to amend the scheme to provide for payment of increased gratuities to personnel who attend on more than the minimum number of occasions.
Having regard to the fact that 15 years have elapsed since these rates were fixed and that general wage rates have multiplied in the meantime, will the Minister take steps to see to it that these rates are increased proportionately in the near future?
The personnel concerned are in receipt of the increases in pay appropriate to their ranks and have got an increase on every occasion that pay has been increased since 1950. The occasions were many.
Yes, but surely when these rates were fixed some figure was taken, some norm adopted? It would appear that the average wage rate at that time was a suitable norm and these figures ought to be increased accordingly now.
The Deputy is asking me in the question to amend the scheme to provide for payment of increased gratuities to personnel who attended on more than the minimum number of occasions. This is what I do not propose to do.