asked the Minister for Defence the amount of the increase in pay which is being given to each rank of officer, NCO and man in the Army; and the proposed date of operation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Pay Increases.
35.
I expect that a decision will be reached in this matter at an early date.
The Minister replied on 30th October, to a question about the 11th round applying to the Army personnel, that a decision would be reached as quickly as possible. That is a week ago. Surely, in view of the fact that everyone else in the State including State employees have either been told they would get it or have already received some increase, it is not unreasonable to assume that the question of the Army personnel would be dealt with now and not at an early date?
The position is as stated that the decision has not yet been reached. On the 30th October I told the Deputy that Army pay is normally adjusted in the light of developments in Civil Service pay. The decisions on Civil Service pay are not fully completed yet. If the Deputy wishes I will communicate with him immediately a decision is reached on Army pay and let him know the complete details.
I am more interested in having a decision taken. I think most of the Civil Service people already know what they are getting. The increases they were given were announced by the Taoiseach two days ago. Another Budget has been passed since the 11th round rises were granted to others. It is not unreasonable to ask that the Army should not be delayed.
I have nothing to add to what I have said.