asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to improve the level of pay and allowances to members of the Permanent Defence Force and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Permanent Defence Force.
84.
Limerick West): Increases in the pay of the Defence Forces are linked traditionally to increases in the pay of certain civil service grades and all such increases have been passed on to the Defence Forces in the past.
The increase of 2 per cent under the third and final phase of the Public Service Pay Agreement will be applied to the pay of all ranks of the Defence Forces with effect from 1 May 1987. The rates of allowances payable to the Defence Forces are kept under constant review.
85.
asked the Minister for Defence the Army's strength by rank and unit over the past five years ending 31 December each year; his views on whether to maintain the level of duties required, that recruitment should be recommenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Limerick West): The total strength by rank of the Permanent Defence Force on 31 December for each year of the past five years was as set out on the attached schedule. A breakdown of the strength of the Force by unit for the same period is not readily available. There would be a disproportionate expenditure of public time and money involved in compiling the information and I consider that this expenditure would not be justified.
The level of duties of the Defence Forces is kept under continuous review. The question of recommencing recruitment is as outlined in my reply to Question No. 587 of 28 April 1987.