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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 8 Mar 1990

Vol. 396 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Force Members Overseas.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

8 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if he will make arrangements for committee members dealing in the preparation of reports on Army pay and conditions to travel to Irish Army locations abroad in order that proper compensation in terms of pay, conditions and back-up facilities can be fully determined.

I am prepared to facilitate in every way possible the Commission on Remuneration and Conditions of Service in the Defence Forces, should they decide to visit personnel of the Permanent Defence Force engaged on overseas service. As an entirely independent body, however, it is a matter for the commission to decide in the first instance whether they wish to undertake such a visit.

Can the Minister say whether any member of the commission has already visited officers on a tour of duty abroad and, if so, if they have been given access to the fullest possible information so that the claims for pay and conditions can be properly appraised? Have any members of the commission yet visited offices abroad?

The commission recently indicated that such a visit to the UNIFIL troops in the Lebanon is being considered and that tentative dates for the visit are being mentioned. They will be travelling some time within the next few weeks. I cannot say when exactly but sometime within the next few weeks members of the commission will travel to see the UNIFIL operation on the ground and to examine the matters referred to by the Deputy in his question.

I welcome the Minister's assurance that they will travel abroad.

A question please, Deputy Kenny.

However, I would like to think that they will have the opportunity to speak to officers both at the beginning and end of a tour of duty as one's attitudes can change with one's experience. I thank the Minister for allowing them the concession to travel abroad.

This is a very good commission and I want to pay tribute to them for the thoroughness of their work. Any delays are the result of the rightful concern on the part of the Army personnel that every point of view should be made known to them. They are drawing up a most complex and interesting report which will get to grips with the fundamental problems in regard to Army pay and conditions. As I have said, part of this examination will be the visit to the Lebanon within the next few weeks. I am looking forward to receiving their final report.

Can the Minister give an indication of when he expects to receive their report.

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