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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 4

Written Answers - Hearing Impairmeant Claims.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

54 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Defence his views in relation to the submission and recommendations made to him by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 regarding deafness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18224/97]

The views expressed by the person concerned have been taken into consideration by my Department in its assessment of the options available to deal with this issue. An official of my Department has also spoken by telephone with this person and explained the situation as it pertains at this time.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

56 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Defence the money, if any, available, in addition to Border duty allowance, to compensate military personnel for the additional workload of BSE patrols; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18227/97]

In addition to basic pay all personnel posted to Border units are paid a Border duty allowance of £50.07 per week in the case of officers and £45.13 per week in the case of non-commissioned officers and privates. The allowance is paid, irrespective of the actual hours worked, on a continuous basis, including periods of annual leave and sick leave. 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 transfer and a requirement to serve in all conditions. The current rate in the case of officers is £2,101 per annum, and in the case of non-commissioned officers and privates is £40.28 per week, £2,101 per annum, with the exception of privates with less than three years' service who receive £14.50 per week. The allowance is paid on a continuous basis, irrespective of the actual hours worked.

Under the Defence (Amendment) Act, 1990, the issue of pay and 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 the recent 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.
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