Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2017
832. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the out-of-barracks payment paid to Defence Forces personnel will be reinstated; and his views on criticism over the time being taken to process subsistence payments. [9623/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRates of remuneration and conditions of employment in the Irish public sector have traditionally been set by reference to relative levels of pay across the various sectors of the Irish public sector. In this regard, the level of remuneration in the Defence sector has maintained relativity with the levels available in other related public sector employments. The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts of 2009-2015 and the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2018 (Lansdowne Road Agreement) define current pay policy.
Parties to the Haddington Road Agreement (Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2016) noted that the Government intended to review travel and subsistence arrangements for the public Service and agreed to full co-operation with the review and the implementation of a standardised system of travel and subsistence across the Public Service. It was agreed between the parties that the best way to approach the review was through the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for Civil Service and any agreement reached would then be applied across other parts of the Public Service.
Following agreement, on the 23 April 2015 the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform issued circular 05/2015 implementing revisions for civil servants. By way of letter to this Department, dated the 15 May 2015 from Department of Public Expenditure and Reform the revisions were to be applied to the Defence Force Personnel with effect from 1 July 2015. The Department made the necessary arrangements and the revised Travel and Subsistence regime was introduced.
Subsequently PDFORRA (Representative Association) raised a number of issues of clarification. As these outstanding issues are currently being resolved with in the C&A Scheme it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
I am advised by officials that they are not aware of any criticism over the timeframe being taken to process subsistence payments. One aspect of the payment of subsistence in a timely manner is dependent on the correct information being set out on the claim. Claims are validated against the appropriate procedure. In some circumstances where additional information/ original receipts is required, this may result in the processing of the payment being delayed until the matter is clarified. Staff of the Department often act in a guidance role providing claimants with information regarding what they need to provide in order for a claim to be processed and for payment to issue in a timely manner.
