asked the Minister for Defence whether he has satisfied himself that the report of the Commission on Army Pay and Conditions sufficiently addressed the problems within the Defence Forces; whether the question of skilled personnel resigning from the Defence Forces has been adequately dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Commission Report.
43.
Limerick West): I am satisfied that the recommendations of the inter-departmental committee on Defence Forces pay and conditions represented a reasonable response to the case for improved pay, allowances and conditions. In reaching their conclusion to the proposals which had been submitted by the military authorities.
The Government accepted all the recommendations of the committee with one small exception in regard to the phased payment of military service allowance.
The committee's recommendations have already been detailed in my reply to Questions Nos. 250 and 251 on 25 January 1989.
As regards skilled personnel, the committee, in accordance with their terms of reference, gave special attention to areas where difficulties were being experienced. As a result substantial increases in flying pay were approved which provide a much improved career structure for Air Corps pilots. In addition there has been a complete restructuring of the technician groups together with much improved rates of technician pay.