Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2017
833. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide a breakdown of duty pay allowances given to Defence Forces personnel to pay for rations; and if his Department, or the military authorities, have been made aware of concerns regarding the quality of meals provided to Defence Forces personnel. [9624/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by my officials that the Department is not aware of any duty pay allowance given to Defence Forces personnel to pay for rations.
However, I am advised that Security Duty Allowance (SDA) is paid in respect of a wide range of security duties on which personnel are detailed to perform outside of normal duty hours. This includes Aid to the Civil Power duties and all duties necessary for security of military barracks/installations, including 24 hour and weekend duties.
Where personnel are rostered for an armed 24 hour security duty, which confines the individual inside a barracks/installation for a defined period in order to perform the 24 hour security task there is a requirement to ensure that personnel have the necessary calorie level intake over the 24 hour. Therefore Defence Force Personnel are entitled to avail of catering while engaged on security duties.
I am advised that no issues have been officially raised with the Military Authorities with regard to the food quality within 1 Brigade, 2 Brigade, Defence Force Training College or the Naval Service. However, I am advised that the Air Corps Headquarters have confirmed to the Department that a small number of minor local issues have arisen in relation to the food available in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, such as menu choice. However, Air Corps Headquarters have confirmed that all available measures are being examined in order to remedy the local issues identified with immediate effect. I can confirm that the Military Authorities are not aware of any issues in relation to the quality of the food sourced and supplied by external suppliers.
