asked the Minister for Defence why officers serving in the Middle East are not paid the same allowances as officers in Cyprus; and if he intends to meet their grievance having in mind the dangerous nature of their missions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Middle East Service Allowance.
49.
The nature of the mission and the conditions of service in the Middle East were entirely different from those in Cyprus and the question of the payment by this country of an overseas allowance to the officers concerned did not arise.
Having regard, however, to the changed circumstances in that area, the matter has been under review and a decision is expected shortly.
Would the Minister say if the reason is that the overseas allowance paid in Cyprus is paid by the United Nations?
The Middle East is the direct responsibility of the United Nations.
Would they not refund the amount of the overseas allowance to the Irish Government?
I think that is unlikely. There are other countries not providing allowances for their troops in the Middle East.