asked the Minister for Defence in what exact way circumstances changed with respect to Irish Army personnel who served with UNTSO during the years 1966-1967 and 1967-68 which resulted in an increase of allowances.
34.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Allowances.
33.
asked the Minister for Defence the total estimated cost of paying to Irish Army personnel the rate of allowance operative from 1967-68 to those officers who served with UNTSO from 1961-67; the total number of personnel involved; and the estimated amount which would be paid to each individual officer.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.
As I indicated to the Deputy in reply to a question on 9th November, 1971, the nature of the mission of such personnel would not normally warrant the payment of an overseas allowance; but due to the exceptional circumstances arising from the outbreak of the war of June, 1967, in the Middle East it was possible to authorise, with effect from 1st June, 1967, the payment of an allowance in respect of service in that area with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation. No overseas allowance was paid in respect of such service prior to that date and, accordingly, the Deputy's second question is hypothetical.
Could the Minister say how many officers would be involved if payment were to be made to those who served prior to 1st June, 1966? I suggest that it is only a handful of officers, some of whom have actually now retired.
The number of officers is 27 and the total cost £15,500.
Would the Minister not agree that for the purpose of the morale of the officer corps this payment should be made?
The morale of the officer corps is quite high. There was a certain reason for the introduction of this special allowance payment to them. I think that the decision taken was proper and that there is not any justification for payment in respect of service prior to June, 1967.
It would cost less than 1 per cent of the budget deficit.
We are looking after our forces very well indeed.