asked the Minister for Defence if he will pay the emergency bonus to the members of the Army nursing service; and if he is aware of the fact that all other members of the Defence Forces have been paid the bonus.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Nursing Service.
It is not proposed to pay emergency bonus to the members of the Army nursing service. Incidentally, I think it well to inform the Deputy that members of the Army nursing service are not members of the Defence Forces.
I am thanking the Minister for his information, but why has he considered it necessary to discriminate against the members of the Army nursing service? All other units in the Forces have been paid, and the nurses are in receipt of an inclusive salary, but they are the only people who have not received a bonus.
The reason mainly is that they are not a component part of the Forces.
Will they receive the bonus about to be paid?