Paul Bradford
Ceist:93 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Defence if he has any plans to introduce a gratuity payment for retiring members of the FCA, in view of the fact that some members may have served for over 30 years.
Written Answers. - Gratuity Payment to FCA Members.
An Fórsa Cosanta Aitiúil are essentially a part-time force and service therein is fundamentally different in nature from full-time service in the Permanent Defence Force. Thus the concept of pensionability which applies to service in the latter force would be inappropriate in relation to An Fórsa. In the circumstances the suggestion that gratuities should be payable to retiring members is not one that could be favourably considered.
I should say, however, that, in addition to the pay appropriate to their ranks, members of An Fórsa who attend annual training are paid gratuities on account of losses and obligations arising from their membership.