Vol. 519 No. 2
114 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Defence when the millennium payments will be made to members of the Permanent Defence Forces, who were on duty over the New Year period; the reason there has been such a delay in payment being made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13446/00]
The question of paying some form of additional remuneration to Permanent Defence Force personnel who were on duty over the millennium period has been raised by both RACO and PDFORRA under the conciliation and arbitration scheme for the Defence Forces. Because of the terms of this scheme, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the nature of the discussions themselves.
Agreement was reached with RACO on 22 February 2000, and with PDFORRA on 13 April 2000, regarding the payment of an exceptional millennium bonus for personnel who worked over this period. The terms agreed were broadly similar to those agreed elsewhere in the public service.
The military authorities are at present compiling lists of the qualifying personnel. On receipt of these completed lists, payments will be issued. I expect these payments to be made sometime within the next three to four weeks.
