Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 6

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Reserve.

Bernard Allen

Question:

140 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence when he will amend paragraph 95(C) of DFR R5 to cease deductions from reservists based on marital status; the action, if any, he will take to reimburse those from whom these moneys were deducted; and the amount deducted in this regard in 1999. [4839/00]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

The arrangements governing the deduction of rations are provided for in Defence Force Regulations. Under normal arrangements a marriage certificate is required from a reservist in order to confirm marital status.

Following consultation with representatives of the personnel of An Fóras Cosanta Áitiúil and An Slua Muirí, the reserve defence force representative association, RDFRA, was established in July 1992. The association represents its members in discussions with the Department of Defence on maters concerning their remuneration and certain other conditions of service. Rates of allowances, including deductions for rations, come within the scope of representation. Accordingly, this is a matter which comes within the remit of RDFRA and which can be dealt with under the representative arrangements which have been agreed with the association. The subject has been raised by the association, and at a recent meeting with officials of my Department, it was indicated to the association that the examination of the existing arrangements was nearing completion. The matter will be finalised shortly.