Michael Smith
Question:260 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has for reviewing allowances payable to soldiers on Border duty. [11481/97]
Written Answers. - Border Duty Allowances.
In addition to basic pay, Permanent Defence Force personnel serving in Border units are in receipt of a Border duty allowance of £50.07 per week in the case of officers and £44.91 per week in the case of non-commissioned officers and Privates. A military service allowance is also payable to all members of the Permanent Defence Force up to and including the rank of colonel to compensate personnel for the special conditions associated with military life, such as the unsocial hours of duty, being subject to transfers and a requirement to serve in all conditions. The current rate in the case of officers is £2,091 per annum, and in the case of non-commissioned officers and privates is £40.08 per week £2,091 p.a. with the exception of privates with less than three years' service who receive £14.43 per week. These allowances are paid, irrespective of the actual hours worked, on a continuous basis, including periods of annual leave, sick leave, etc.
The rates of remuneration of the Permanent Defence Force, including Border duty allowance, were examined and determined by the Commission on Remuneration and Conditions of Service in the Defence Forces in July 1990.
Under the Defence (Amendment) Act, 1990, the payment of allowances comes within the scope of representation of the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) and the Representative Association for Commissioned Officers (RACO) and may be processed through the conciliation and arbitration scheme for the Permanent Defence Force which was established in agreement with the associations. The question of the payment of an allowance to personnel involved with BSE-related operations in Border areas has been raised by PDFORRA under the terms of the conciliation and arbitration scheme. Under the terms of the scheme, as agreed with the associations, discussions on claims which are being processed are confidential. The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that as the matter is under active consideration at present it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.