Vol. 395 No. 3
29 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the present position regarding the review of Army pay and conditions; if he intends to implement in full the recommendations of the report when available; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
47 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence if he will give a progress report on the situation regarding Army pay and allowances; if he will comment on reports that the consultants carrying out studies and examinations of this issue for the Gleeson Committee have encountered a lack of co-operation from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
48 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if it is the Government's intention to place the Gleeson report in full before the Houses of the Oireachtas at the conclusion of the Commission's deliberations.
62 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if, in light of the current Gleeson investigation, he has made any provisions in the 1990 Estimates for the projected salary and pay increases; and if he will make a report in this regard.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 29, 47, 48 and 62 together.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to questions in this regard on 22 November 1989. The review by the Commission on Remuneration and Conditions of Service in the Defence Forces, which is an entirely independent body, is proceeding.
Three teams — one each for Privates, Non-Commissioned Officers and Officers — were set up to prepare and present submissions to the Commission. In the case of each team three officers were appointed by the Chief of Staff to assist in the preparation of its submission. A firm of management consultants was engaged by my Department to provide assistance to the three military teams for the full period required to prepare their submissions. There was no question of a lack of co-operation by my Department in the matter: on the contrary my Department's attitude was and continues to be one of facilitating the Commission in every way possible. I should, however, like to emphasise that the Commission are entirely independent in their activities.
When the Commission submit their report the Government will consider the recommendations and the question of the publication of the Commission's report.
Any additional funding which may be required in 1990 arising out of the Commission's recommendations will be provided.
