Written Answers. - Defence Forces Remuneration.
Proinsias De Rossa
Ceist:
92
Proinsias De Rossa
asked the
Minister for Defence
the main provisions of the pay package recently accepted by members of PDFORRA and RACO; when the increases will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[22854/98]
Bernard Allen
Ceist:
127
Mr. Allen
asked the
Minister for Defence
when he will make payment to troops who served on BSE patrols; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[22953/98]
Frances Fitzgerald
Ceist:
186
Ms Fitzgerald
asked the
Minister for Defence
if the pay increases and arrears recently agreed by ballot with the Defence Forces will be paid before Christmas 1998.
[23221/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92, 127 and 186 together.
Under the Defence (Amendment) Act, 1990, matters relating to pay and allowances came within the scope of representation of the Permanent Defence Forces Other Ranks Representative Association, PDFORRA, and the Representative Association for Commissioned Officers, RACO, and may be processed through the conciliation and arbitration scheme for the Permanent Defence Forces which was established in agreement with the associations. Sub-committees of the conciliation council were established to review, in the context of the PCW, the question of pay and allowances payable to the ranks represented by the representative associations.
Following discussions at sub-committee, offers were made in both associations. The main provisions of the package offered to RACO include: increases in basic pay; rationalisation of a number of pay scales and the introduction of long service increments for officers in the rank of lieutenant-colonel; a revised rate of £25 per day in respect of patrol duty allowance, and the introduction of an emergency medical officer allowance of £35 per day.
The main provisions of the package offered to PDFORRA include an increase of £15 a week in the rate of military service allowance; a revised rate of £25 per day in respect of patrol duty allowance, and a once-off payment to personnel involved in the BSE operation along the Border.
In return both representative associations agree to a number ofquid pro quos, including the acceptance of the national agreement Partnership 2000, a revised conciliation and arbitration scheme and the completion of discussions on the rationalisation of the duties attracting security duty allowance.
I understand that these packages have been accepted by the membership of both associations. The sub-committees have yet to report to the conciliation council and the provisions will be implemented following formal agreement under the terms of the conciliation and arbitration scheme. It is hoped that, subject to the early signing of the agreements, payment will be made in 1998.
