asked the Minister for Defence if he will state, further to previous replies on the subject, whether he has yet reached any decision regarding the increase of the annual grant payable to the Reserve of Officers (1st line); and if, in view of the fact that this grant has remained the same since 1926, he will now take immediate steps to make a substantial increase.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grant to Reserve of Officers.
22.
A decision has not yet been reached regarding an increase in the annual grants payable to officers of the Reserve of Officers (First Line).
In regard to the second part of the question, as stated by my predecessor in reply to a similar question tabled by Deputy P. O'Donnell on 10th November, 1964, the annual grant is only one item in the total remuneration payable to Reserve Officers each year. During periods of annual training courses of instruction, etc. the rates of pay and of children's allowances issuable to officers of the Permanent Defence Force apply also to Reserve Officers. Uniform replenishment allowance at one-third of the rate applicable to officers of the Permanent Defence Force is also payable. Since 1928, when the Reserve of Officers (First Line) was established, the total remuneration (excluding children's allowances) payable to members of this class of the Reserve in respect of annual training, etc. has been increased by 61 per cent for Lieutenants, by 117 per cent for Captains and by 144 per cent for Commandants.
While I do not consider that officers of the Reserve of Officers (First Line) have been at all unfairly treated over the years in the matter of remuneration in respect of annual training, etc., I am, nevertheless, having the question of increasing the annual grants examined.
In the year 1926, a lieutenant received a grant of £30 and in 1965, the figure is still £30. A captain received a sum of £50 in 1926 and in 1965 he still receives £50. A commandant received £75 in 1926 and in 1965 the figure is still £75. How can the Minister say to the House in those circumstances that he has given this full consideration and that these personnel are treated fairly?
I do not think there was a First Line reserve in 1926 at all. I am telling the House that I am having this question examined to see whether the present rate of grants should be increased.
Has this matter not been before the Minister's Department for the past five, six or seven years, and is the same stock answer not given every year?
These officers are in receipt of the increases of pay that are applicable to officers of the permanent Defence Force. I have not been in the Department of Defence for the past seven years. I am telling the Deputy I am having the matter examined and I shall have it brought to a conclusion as quickly as I can.
Surely it does not take seven years to have this examined. Deputies opposite can afford to laugh. They are laughing at men who are doing a good service for this country.