Michael Finucane
Question:36 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Defence if there are any plans being made at present to increase pay for Irish troops in the Lebanon.
Written Answers. - Army Pay Increase.
Irish troops serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon receive, in addition to their normal pay and allowances, an overseas allowance.
The Commission on Remuneration and Conditions of Service in the Defence Forces, the Gleeson Commission, examined the remuneration of UNIFIL troops, having travelled to Lebanon to view at first hand the conditions under which they operate. The commission recommended that the married rates of overseas allowance should be increased by 25 per cent and that this rate should in future apply to both single and married personnel without distinction. The average increase for single personnel accordingly was about 45 per cent.
The revised rates were introduced in full with effect from 1 January 1990 and increases provided for under the terms of theProgramme for Economic and Social Progress apply to them.