Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:132. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Naval Service who spent more than 80 days at sea in each of the years 2016 to 2018. [48683/19]
View answerTuesday, 26 November 2019
Questions (132)
Written answers
I welcome the introduction of a new tax credit for sea going Naval Service personnel, which my colleague Mr Pascal Donohoe TD, Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform has introduced in the Finance Bill 2019 .
It is the result of constructive engagement within Government, by my officials and Defence Forces management, including those within the Naval Service. The proposed tax credit is based on the design of the existing Fishers’ tax credit, which was introduced in 2017, for the purpose of incentivising the sea-fishing industry.
This is another positive step that builds on this Government’s commitment to addressing the challenges in the Defence Forces. The measures taken in recent months include:
- Members of the Defence Forces are receiving increases in certain Defence specific allowances which was recommended by the Public Service Pay Commission.
- They are also receiving increases in their pay scales under the terms of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020.
- A service commitment incentive scheme has been restored for Air Corps pilots
- Members of the Army Ranger Wing, cooks and NCO account holders are receiving increases in their allowances arising from adjudications.
- Charges for rations and accommodation for recruits and apprentices have been abolished.
I am advised by the Military authorities that the information requested in relation to the number of Naval service personnel who undertook 80 days or more at sea is not immediately available. I will write to the Deputy when I receive this information.