Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 7 September 2018
23. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the allowances paid to members of the Defence Forces for duties related to the Papal visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36190/18]
View answerUnlike other areas of the Public Service and due to the nature of the duties performed, overtime or shift allowance are not available to members of the Defence Forces. In its place a weekly Military Service Allowance (MSA) is paid to all ranks up to the level of Colonel. Military Service Allowance is designed to compensate for the special conditions associated with military life. These include unsocial hours of duty, exposure to danger, and the restrictions inherent in military discipline. For Privates, Corporals and Sergeants with more 3 years in service, MSA is worth €115.43 per week, per person. For Senior NCOs the rate is €122.87 per week.
In line with any other occasion when the Defence Forces are requested to operate in an Aid to the Civil Power - i.e. supporting An Garda Síochána - Defence Force members on duty in support of An Garda Síochána during the Papal visit will receive Security Duty Allowance (SDA). The current rates of SDA is €23.81 for each day on duty for less than 24 hours. The rate is increased to €47.59 for a 24 hour duty. Security Duty allowance is paid to all enlisted personnel and to officers up to and including the rank of Commandant.
