Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Feb 1995

Vol. 448 No. 4

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Data.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

143 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Defence his intentions regarding the implementation of the Price Waterhouse report on the future of army barracks, with particular regard to the barracks at Ballincollig, County Cork. [2235/95]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Coveney)

There are no plans to alter the status of Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig, County Cork, or any other permanently occupied military barracks or post with the sole exception of Collins Barracks, Dublin the closure of which has already been announced.

The firm of Price Waterhouse Management Consultants was engaged to assist the Efficiency Audit Group (EAG) in their review of the Defence Forces. The report of the EAG has not yet been considered by the Government. Accordingly, no decisions have been taken as a result of the EAG review.

Seán Ryan

Question:

144 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the number of officers and cadets serving in the Permanent Defence Forces at 31 December 1992, 1993 and 1994; and the amounts of initial and annual allowances paid in each of the years 1992, 1993 and 1994. [2298/95]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Coveney)

The number of officers and cadets serving in the Permanent Defence Forces at 31 December 1992, 1993 and 1994 was as follows:—

At 31 December, 1992	1,576 officers	69 cadets
At 31 December, 1993	1,578 officers	60 cadets
At 31 December, 1994	1,558 officers	65 cadets

The amounts of initial uniform allowance and annual uniform replenishment allowances paid in 1992, 1993 and 1994 were as follows:—

1992	Initial: £48,124	Replenishment: £902,500
1993	Initial: £43,791	Replenishment: £856,0232
1994	Initial: £45,449	Replenishment: £934,086

Seán Ryan

Question:

145 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the number of potential FCA and Slua Muirí NCOs who will undergo potential commissioned officers courses in 1995; and the numbers who actually underwent such courses by command and corps in each of the years 1992, 1993 and 1994; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2299/95]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Coveney)

The details requested regarding the number of personnel appointed to be officers in the FCA and Slua Muirí in 1992 and 1993 following potential officers' courses are set out in the following schedule. In 1994 forty-two (42) personnel took part in a potential officers' preliminary selection course and forty-one (41) of these are due to attend a potential officers' course in 1995.

SCHEDULE.

Officers Commissioned in An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil/An Slua Muirí in 1992 and 1993 following Potential Officers' Courses.

	1992	1993
CORPS
Infantry	15	19
Artillery	3	6
Cavalry	—	2
Engineer	1	—
Signals	1	—
Supply and Transport	1	—
Medical	—	1
Naval Service	—	6
Total	21	34
COMMAND
Eastern	6	8
Southern	5	9
Western	4	7
Curragh	6	4
Naval Service	—	6

Seán Ryan

Question:

146 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the rates of initial and annual uniform allowances paid to officers of Na Buan Óglaigh; the nature and quantum of clothing issued at Exchequer expense initially and annually to officers of Na Buan Óglaigh at 31 December 1992, 1993 and 1994. [2300/95]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Coveney)

The current rates of initial uniform allowance and annual uniform replenishment allowance payable to officers of the Permanent Defence Force are set out on the following schedule "A". The nature and quantum of clothing issuable at Exchequer expense initially are listed on the following schedule "B". The information sought in relation to the quantum of clothing issued at Exchequer expense annually at 31 December 1992, 1993 and 1994 is not readily available within the Department. However, it is being compiled at present and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

SCHEDULE "A"

Current Rates of Uniform Allowance
Army Officers
Male	—Initial Uniform Allowance	£836
	—Annual Replenishment Allowance	£542
Female	—Initial Uniform Allowance	£1,037
	—Annual Replenishment Allowance	£714
Naval Officers
	—Initial Uniform Allowance	£1,167
	—Annual Replenishment Allowance	£597

Special Uniform Allowances—Army Equitation School

In addition to the above annual allowance special annual allowances at the rates prescribed hereunder may be paid, subject to the issue of a certificate by the Quartermaster-General that the officer has incurred special expense on uniform up to the amount of the allowance by reason of his having competed or having been trained to compete at Horse Shows:

—an officer of the Army Equitation School	£361
—an officer attached on probation to the Army Equitation School	£241

Dress Uniform

An officer who, on being so required, provides himself with a Dress Uniform may be paid a grant towards the cost of the uniform as follows:—

Officers holding commissioned Army rank including Aides-de-Camp to the President and An Taoiseach and officers of the Equitation School	£360
Officers holding commissioned Naval rank	£410

Not more than one such grant is payable to any officer.

SCHEDULE "B"

Items of Clothing Issuable at Exchequer Expense to Officers of Na Buan Oglaigh

Belts No. 26A Waist	1
Berets No. 6A Black	2
Boots Combat Pairs	2
Braces Pairs	1
Ear Defenders	2
Field Dressing	1
Gloves Woollen	1
Rank Markings	4
Shirts 18G	2
Socks No. 15 Light Green Pairs	2
Socks Heavy 3/4 Length Pairs	3
Sweater	1
Trousers Combat	1
Trousers Combat Liners	2
Tunic Combat	1
Tunic Combat Liners	1
Suits Waterproof	1
Veil Combat	1