Vol. 402 No. 2
22 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the aspect of the Gleeson Commission Report which confirms that skilled and highly qualified NCOs are not being integrated fully into the Defence Forces solely because they are not officers; and the action he proposes to take to eliminate this injustice.
The report states that during the course of their investigations, the Commission formed the impression that considerable scope exists for greater involvement of NCOs in the management of the Defence Forces and recommends the establishment of a number of staff appointments at Defence Forces and Command Headquarters in the rank of sergeant major which could be at the expense of some junior officer appointments, thereby releasing such officers for duty with units. Preliminary proposals designed to give effect to the recommendations have been formulated and these are being studied at present.
I note the reply. I support the recommendations of the Commission and recommend that the skills and expertise of NCOs, and their management qualities, which have not been fully utilised in the past, should be utilised in the future. This is the way to get co-operation right across the board.
I agree very much with the Deputy.
There is an impression that the whole question of promotions in that area is a hit and miss affair. I hope, on the basis of the Minister's reply, that we will see a more positive response to this.
I agree with the Deputy. The report highlighted that aspect, particularly in regard to NCOs.
23 Mr. Cotter asked the Minister for Defence if he will implement the recommendation of the Gleeson Commission that enlisted personnel be permitted to use their own vehicles on official duty and qualify for mileage under the same conditions as officers.
36 Dr. Lee asked the Minister for Defence if he accepts the recommendation of the Gleeson Commission that enlisted personnel be permitted to use their own vehicles on official duty and qualify for mileage under the same conditions as officers.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 36 together.
Military personnel travelling on official duty are normally provided with military transport. My Department also arrange for the issue of free travel warrants to non-commissioned personnel in a wide range of circumstances. The recommendation of the Commission on Remuneration and Conditions of Service in the Defence Forces that non-commissioned personnel be permitted to use their own vehicles on official duty and qualify for mileage under the same conditions as officers has been accepted and administrative arrangements for its implementation are being made.
Does the Minister not think that, in equity, what is good for the officers is also good for the NCOs and that it is an efficient way of gaining transport?
That is what I say. I agree fully with the Deputy and that is what we are doing.
Is it operative at the moment?
No. It is being done. The questions are very topical.
Everything is happening just now. Will the Minister put a date on it?
I put a very precise date on it; only a matter of weeks.
Weeks, thank you.
The administrative arrangements are being made just now.
How much per mile?
It is great what pressure does.
I hope they do better than Dáil Deputies.
This all goes to show the advantage of a good Commission report, good Dáil questions from the Opposition, good co-operation and so on.
And a good Minister.
It all helps to make things gel.
