asked the Minister for Defence if he has any current plans for improving the allowances paid to members of the FCA and the training time available for members; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - FCA Pay and Allowances.
42.
When undergoing annual training or on security duty members of the FCA at present receive the same rates of pay and allowances (other than military service allowance) as Permanent Defence Force personnel in equivalent ranks and benefit from all increases applied to those rates. In addition, gratuities are paid to members of the FCA for attendance at annual training. These arrangements, including the various rates of pay, allowances and gratuities, may be reviewed by the Commission on Remuneration and Conditions of Service in the Defence Forces.
The reduction in the annual training period to seven days continues to be necessary as part of the Government's programme for achieving reductions in the level of public expenditure.