asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that many members of the reserve force who have been called up on active duty are in consequence suffering considerable loss in earnings; and if he can take steps to remedy this situation.
Ceisteann—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Reserve Force.
119.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, it was decided that civil servants and State industrial employees who were called out with the first line reserve in August last should have their army emoluments supplemented, where necessary, to bring their total emoluments, army and civil, to the level of their civil pay. I understand that local authorities and State and semi-State companies have made similar arrangements in regard to any of their employees who were called out. I suggested in a speech which I made at Finner Camp on the 27th August, 1969 that employers generally might follow the lead given by State authorities in this matter, and I am aware that a number of employers have been good enough to do so.
If any specific cases of reservists whose army emoluments are less than their civil pay are brought to my notice I will consider whether it would be appropriate to approach the employers concerned with a view to their making good the difference.
I might add that it is open to any reservist who considers that he has a case for release from army service on hardship grounds to apply for such release through the commanding officer of his unit.