asked the Minister for Defence the amount of the gratuity paid to members of the FCA for the annual training period; at what date the amount of this gratuity was last fixed; and whether it is proposed to increase it in the near future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - F.C.A. Gratuity Payments.
29.
The rates of gratuities payable to members of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil are:—
|
7 or more but less than 14 days annual training |
Not less than 14 days annua training |
|||
|
£ |
£ |
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|
An Area Commander, an officer of a Brigade Staff, or an officer in command of a Company, Battery, Fort Complement or squadron |
5 |
15 |
||
|
Other officers |
3 |
10 |
||
|
Non-commissioned officers |
2 |
10 |
0 |
8 |
|
Privates |
2 |
6 |
These rates were fixed on the 4th August, 1950. I do not propose to increase them in the near future.
The Minister seems to have his mind made up. Would he not consider raising these gratuities, as they were fixed 12 years ago? Does he not see a case for raising them?
The answer, I think, is contained in the fact that the Force receives pay and allowances according to rank and, since 1950, these have been increased seven times.
What about the gratuity?
That is quite a different matter.