Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 1

Written Answers. - Uniform Replacement Allowances.

Michael Bell

Question:

708 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence the rate of initial uniform allowance and annual uniform replacement allowance for the years (a) 1970, (b) 1980 and (c) currently for infantry corps and naval service officers serving in (1) Na Buan-Óglaigh, (2) the 1st. line reserve and (3) the 2nd line reserve; the number of approved military tailors in the State; the average initial cost of an infantry and naval service uniform; the value of initial and annual clothing provided to commissioned officers in the Reserve; the reason for the disparity in (1) and (3) above which results in officers being significantly out of pocket; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Defence (Mr. Daly)

The rates of initial and replacement uniform allowance for army officers, naval service officers of An Fóras Cosanta Áitiúil and Slua Muirí for 1970, 1980 and 1991 are set out hereunder:

	1970	1980	1991
	Initial	Replacement	Initial	Replacement	Initial	Replacement
	£	£	£	£	£	£
Army — Male	96	51	296	204	565	420
Female	—	—	—	—	798	560
Naval Service	96	51	296	204	565	420
An Forsa Cosanta Áitiúil	25	5	91.50	18	151	30
An Slúa Muiri	46	12	118	31	225	60

Officers of the Reserve of Officers (First Line) retain their uniform on transfer to the reserve and receive one third of the Permanent Defence Forces replacement allowance each year in which they undergo 7 days' training.

My Department do not designate tailors for the purpose of making officers' uniforms.

The cost to officers of providing articles of uniform is reflected by the allowances indicated which are reviewed periodically and adjusted as necessary.

The estimated value of articles of uniform provided from general stock for members of the Reserve is £250,000. Apportionment of this amount between the various elements and ranks of the Reserve is not readily available.

The separate rates of uniform allowance which are prescribed for Permanent Defence Force officers and officers of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil and An Slua Muirí take account of the different scales of items required and rates of usage in the course of duties.