Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 17 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 2

Written Answers. - FCA Payments.

Michael Bell

Question:

88 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that FCA officers, NCOs and privates who perform 24 hour duties are only being paid one day's pay; if his Department have issued instruction to units to this effect; if so, when any such instruction was given; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the total time on average required for a 24-hour duty is 30 hours; whether the same duty is performed by members of the Permanent Defence Force; if so, if he will outline the payment which they qualify for; if a 24-hour duty is classified as two days which includes one day of rest; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Defence (Mr. Daly)

Since 1969 Defence Force Regulations have provided that a member of An Forsa Cosanta Áitiúil may with his consent be detailed for security duties for periods of 24 hours in which case one day's pay is issuable. Time taken to report for duty and to return home are dependent on such factors as the relative location of the military post and the member's residence and the mode of transport.

The rates of pay for officers and men of An Forsa Cosanta Áitiúil are the same as those prescribed for corresponding ranks, grades and classes of the Permanent Defence Force.

Personnel of the Permanent Defence Force are employed on a full-time basis for military duties which include instances of 24 hour duty. Pay is issued on a weekly basis to non-commissioned personnel and monthly to officers. In certain circumstances a rest period may be granted where a member of the Permanent Defence Force undertakes a duty of 24 hours duration.