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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Feb 1981

Vol. 327 No. 3

Written Answers. - Army Welfare Service.

225.

asked the Minister for Defence if he will give details of the duties and resources of the Army welfare service; the number and general qualifications of staff; and if he has any plans to improve the position.

The object of the welfare schemes which are organised in the Defence Forces is to promote the moral, social and material welfare of members of the forces.

Welfare schemes include:—

Provision, maintenance and custody of equipment; maintenance and control of recreation rooms and institutes.

Provision, maintenance, equipment and control of concert halls, libraries and reading rooms.

Promotion and control of indoor entertainments and such other social functions as may be authorised.

Care, equipment and maintenance of outdoor recreation and athletic grounds. Promotion and control of all outdoor entertainments and athletics and the provision of suitable and sufficient equipment and necessaries for such entertainments and athletics.

Improvement of men's messes.

Control and supervision of the issue of foodstuffs on repayment to married non-commissioned officers and privates.

The provision of such other improvements and amenities as may be considered desirable for the general welfare of troops.

Command welfare funds for the purpose of promoting and financing welfare schemes are established at each Command Headquarters. There are separate funds for the Naval Service and the Air Corps. The funds are composed of moneys derived from various sources including a deduction (currently 9p a week) from the pay of each officer and soldier.

Each Officer Commanding a Command, the Officer Commanding the Air Corps and the Commanding Officer, Naval Service, is responsible for the control, administration and expenditure of the welfare fund in his own area of jurisdiction. There is provision in establishments for a full time Command Welfare Officer (Captain) in each Command.

For the purpose of implementation of welfare schemes at unit level, welfare boards are established in each barracks or post where the number of personnel so warrants.

Welfare arrangements are kept under constant review by the military authorities so as to ensure that welfare funds are at all times deployed to the best possible advantage of members of the Defence Forces.

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