asked the Minister for Defence if it is his intention to increase the annual gratuity of the non-commissioned officers and men of the first line reserve.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - First Line Reserve Gratuities.
23.
The answer is in the negative. This annual grant, which is payable after attendance at annual training, is only one item in the total remuneration of non-commissioned officers and privates of the Reserve Defence Force (1st Line). During attendance at annual training they are paid the rates of pay and allowances issuable to personnel of the Permanent Defence Force and the total annual remuneration payable has accordingly increased very substantially since the force was established.
Is the Minister aware that Class A Reserves from 1927 to 1938 had 12 guineas and that privates today have only £9 per week and junior NCOs have only £10 a week? I think it is a disgraceful situation that those men who have given loyal service to the country got no increase.
It is not true to say that there was no increase. It is true that there was no increase in the grant but there has been a substantial increase in pay and emoluments.
I would ask the Minister to have another look at this. I think the Reserves deserve better consideration——
The Deputy may not make a speech on this question.