Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 Dec 1996

Vol. 472 No. 6

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Allowances.

Dermot Ahern

Ceist:

17 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Defence the additional subsistence and meal allowances provided to Defence Forces personnel currently engaged in the Border areas in connection with BSE and other controls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21544/96]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

Subsistence allowance is only payable where personnel who are performing duties away from their stations are not provided with meals. This does not arise frequently, however, as there is a comprehensive catering system in place in Border units to cope with feeding troops in the field. Full hot meals are provided in barracks for those performing the duty before commencement and on completion of duty. Also, while on patrol personnel receive flasks of hot tea or coffee and sandwiches. A meal allowance is not payable to members of the permanent Defence Force.

I would like to add, however, that in addition to basic pay, a military service allowance is payable to all members of the permanent Defence Force up to and including the rank of colonel to compensate personnel for the special conditions associated with military life, such as the unsocial hours of duty, being subject to transfers and a requirement to serve in all conditions. The current rate in the case of officers is £2,070 per annum, and in the case of non-commissioned officers and privates is £39.68 per week — £2,070 per annum — with the exception of privates with less than three years' service who receive £14.29 per week. The allowance is paid irrespective of the actual hours worked. In addition, all personnel posted to Border units are in receipt of a Border duty allowance of £49.57 per week in the case of officers and £44.47 per week in the case of non-commissioned officers and privates. The allowance is paid, irrespective of the actual hours worked, on a continuous basis, including periods of annual leave, sick leave, etc.