asked the Minister for Defence the estimated cost of paying single personnel in the Army the same pay as their married counterparts.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Pay, Gratuities and Conditions.
51.
The cost, at current rates, is estimated at £790,000 a year.
Could the Minister say if we are exceptional in not paying single men in the Army the same as married men?
This is a matter being considered by the Government in conjunction with the recommendations from the Commission on the Status of Women. I cannot say what the outcome will be.
Apart from that consideration, is it a fact that in the EEC countries and in Britain the single men are paid the same as married men?
Conditions vary in countries in many respects.
Is what I say a fact?
That is a separate question.
It is possible, yes.
The Minister knows that what I say is correct.
52.
asked the Minister for Defence if the question of gratuities for single officers and men in the Army is under consideration and, if so, what stage these considerations have reached; if he is now in a position to state whether gratuities will be paid and, if so, when; if the decision will be retrospective and, if so, from what date; and if the gratuities will be based on full equality with those for married men.
53.
asked the Minister for Defence if single men serving in the Defence Forces are entitled to retirement gratuities; if not, why; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
54.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will arrange to have retirement gratuities paid to single men serving in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 52, 53 and 54 together. There are difficulties which I have mentioned when replying to previous questions on the same subject, but the matter is under consideration. I regret that I cannot say at the moment what the outcome will be.
In other words, the Minister is refusing to answer the question or any part of it. Is that not sufficient?
It is not. I am not in a position to say what the outcome will be.
Is it not a fact that no matter what question is put down on defence the Minister does not answer?
That is the Deputy's opinion.
We are dealing with Questions Nos. 52 to 54, inclusive.
We are dealing with Question No. 52, as far as I am concerned and I am quite concerned about it. The Minister has failed to answer any part of Question No. 52 and there are a number of parts in it. If Deputies are being refused information to this extent how are we to have any interest in the Army or in defence?
I think the Deputy is disappointed that the armed forces are being looked after so well and he has taken every possible opportunity——
I am disappointed that members of this House have not the right to get parliamentary questions answered.
The Army are getting satisfaction.
The Minister is failing in his duty to Deputies of this House to answer questions as they should be answered. I think it is deplorable.