asked the Minister for Defence the number and nature of the proposals on the subject of military pay and allowances which he is at present considering; and if the main proposal reflects precisely the awards given to civil servants in respect of amounts, shortening of scales and effective dates.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Pay and Allowances.
40.
Thirteen proposals regarding military pay and allowances are under consideration at present. They relate to pay, subsistence, travelling, overseas service, border duties and some miscellaneous matters. The main proposal derives from an award given to certain Civil Service grades last year.
Can the Minister say on what date he received proposals from the military authorities recommending pay awards for officer grades comparable to the Civil Service grades involved in the October 1971 Civil Service award and on what date these proposals were forwarded by the Minister to the Minister for Finance?
I am afraid I have not got the actual dates. I cannot go beyond saying that the proposals are under consideration at the moment and that an early decision is expected.
The Minister gave us that sort of reply two months ago. Is the Minister not concerned about the very serious dissatisfaction and discontent that exists in the Defence Forces because of the delay in announcing this award?
It is only natural that there should be some anxiety that a decision should be made but the Defence Forces have been well represented at appropriate levels. While there may be some anxiety there is not any great discontent in the Army.
Were the military authorities not given an assurance that their claim would be given priority treatment? On what date did they receive that assurance?
Any assurances that have been given to the military authorities have been fully carried out and honoured and in this case——
Question No. 41.
On what date was that assurance given and is the Minister satisfied that that assurance has been lived up to in view of the fact that the teachers and the gardaí have got their award?
They have not. The Deputy should not try to misrepresent the position in the House.
In order to alleviate anxiety, can the Minister state why this delay occurred in view of the fact that a definite assurance was given that the award would be paid more than a month ago. Can the Minister say what has caused the delay? The Minister will appreciate that I am trying to be helpful in this matter.
I appreciate the Deputy's interest in the matter. Any assurances that have been given have been honoured.
What is the cause of delay in this case?
The proposals are being processed at the moment.
Is it not true that the amounts were agreed on some time ago and that they were told in confidence to certain sections of the Army authorities? Surely it is unfair to say that the proposals are being processed.
I should not like to prejudice the matter in any way at this stage by making any comments now.
Were the Army authorities told about the proposals and were they satisfied with them?
That is a separate question.
I do not agree. At this stage in particular there should not be dissatisfaction among the Army personnel. In fact, there is considerable dissatisfaction among the Army.
The Deputy should not try to exaggerate. The military have been well looked after and they will continue to be well looked after in the matter of pay and other matters.
It is deplorable that the Minister cannot give any information regarding the proposals.
I am sorry that the Deputy is not big enough to appreciate what has been done.
We cannot debate this question all afternoon. I am calling Question No. 41.
The Minister is not giving any information. It is a fact that there is grave dissatisfaction in the Army regarding this matter.
The Deputy disappoints me with the attitude he is adopting. He is exaggerating. We are getting recruits in unprecedented numbers—we are getting the very best of people.
I do not think the Army should be made a football in this matter. It is true that there is grave dissatisfaction.
I am calling Question No. 41.