Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 3

Written Answers. - BSE-Related Security Clampdown Bonuses.

Dermot Ahern

Ceist:

152 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the concern amongst members of the Permanent Defence Forces in view of the fact that no additional payments or bonuses were made to those involved with the recent BSE-related security clampdown in Border areas and no consideration was given to the fact that they were required to spend long periods away from their families during this campaign; the further plans, if any, he has in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8060/96]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

Under the Defence (Amendment) Act, 1990, the payment of allowances comes within the scope of representation of the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association and may be processed through the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for the Permanent Defence Force which was established in agreement with the association. The question of the payment of an allowance to personnel involved with the recent BSE-related security clampdown in Border areas has been raised by the association under the terms of the conciliation and arbitration scheme. Under the terms of the scheme, as agreed with the association, discussions on claims which are being processed are confidential. You will appreciate, therefore, that as the matter is under active consideration at present it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.