Written Answers. - Pay Deduction. – Dáil Éireann (27th Dáil) – Wednesday, 22 Mar 1995

Written Answers. - Pay Deduction.

Question:
236 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the reason for the deduction in respect of welfare; whether the deduction is in accordance with the Payment of Wages Act; and whether references in the Gleeson report have been regarded in the current deduction policy. [5963/95]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Coveney)

The deduction for welfare services, as provided for in Defence Force Regulations, is for the purpose of contributing towards meeting the following expenses incurred by the appropriate welfare authorities.

(a) the expenses of haircutting;

(b) administrative expenses in connection with arrangements made for personal laundry services where feasible; and

(c) the provision of sports equipment and such articles and services as may be provided for welfare, recreation and comfort.

The deduction for welfare services is made under the provisions of Defence Force Regulations S.3. Pay Allowances (Permanent Defence Force) and is in accordance with the Payment of Wages Act, 1991.

Cognisance has been taken of the recommendations of the Commission on Remuneration and Conditions of Service in the Defence Forces in relation to recreational/social and welfare/counselling functions. A military board was established to examine the welfare area in its entirety and the board's recommendations are under consideration. In the area of counselling one head social worker and five social workers are now employed in the Personnel Support Service which is part of a new Military Personnel Management Section.

Question:
237 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the current rates of deductions for welfare in the Defence Forces; the date it was last increased; the amount collected by Command, Air Corps and Naval Services, the FCA and Slua Mhuirí in 1993 and 1994. [5964/95]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Coveney)

The current rate of deduction in the Defence Forces in respect of welfare services is £0.24 per week. The rate was last increased with effect from 28 June 1989. The information sought in regard to the amounts collected in 1993 and 1994 is set out on the following table.

Welfare Deductions

Amounts Collected in 1993 and 1994

	1993	1994
Permanent Defence Force	£	£
Eastern Command	45,586	46,553
Southern Command	23,703	23,763
Western Command	31,440	30,619
Curragh Command	33,127	33,031
Air Corps	12,718	13,099
Naval Service	12,876	12,976
An Force Cosana Áitiúil
Eastern Command	497	478
Southern Command	677	708
Western Command	672	675
Curragh Command	232	235
An Slua Muirí	58	59

Dáil Éireann debate - Wednesday, 22 Mar 1995