Vol. 395 No. 9
75 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Defence the title and terms of reference of each commission, committee, working group or other similar body set up since 1st January, 1986 to advise him on the policy or functions of his Department; the nature of each body, that is, whether it is permanent or ad hoc; when each ad hoc body reported; its recommendations; and the action, if any, which has been taken or is being taken in regard to same.
Details are as follows:
1. Defence Review
(a) A defence review committee was established in August 1987 as an ad hoc body.
(b) The review involved a comprehensive examination of the defence area including civil defence with the objective of developing the most relevant and realistic cost effective defence arrangements.
(c) The review has brought to light certain issues in a number of areas which require detailed examination. I have arranged to have the necessary analysis carried out.
2. Interdepartmental Committee on Defence Forces Pay, Allowances and Conditions
(a) Terms of Reference:
"To examine and report on the pay, allowances and conditions of officers, non-commissioned ranks and privates in the Defence Forces — the examination to give special attention to problems caused by an outflow of personnel with special training or skills".
(b) Established June 1988, lapsed July 1989.
(c) A report by the committee was considered by the Government in December 1988 and details of the outcome were set out in replies to Dáil Questions Nos. 250 and 251 on 25 January 1989 (Dáil Report No. 1 vol. 386 columns 174 to 186).
(d) All increases in allowances have been fully implemented. Payment of increases in basic pay is being phased in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Pay Agreement and the Programme for National Recovery. 40 per cent of the increases was paid with effect from 1 July 1989 and the balance is payable as follows:
30 per cent with effect from 1 April 1990.
