Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2017
783. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has made a decision on the payment of a further allowance to Naval Service personnel serving on the humanitarian mission in the Mediterranean Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4140/17]
View answerMembers of the Naval Service have already received the main allowance due to them for their participation in the humanitarian rescue operation in the Mediterranean. The issue of further recompense in respect of this mission was the subject of a claim under the Defence Forces Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme. There was adjudication hearing in respect of PDFORRA’s claim in relation to their members service as part of the Operation Pontus missions. This hearing took place on Wednesday 26 October 2016, following which, further discussions took place between my Department and PDFORRA. The outcome of these discussions is currently under consideration by the Department in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and I hope that the matter should be concluded within the next few weeks.
