Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 April 2017
397. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the details of the work that has been done by his Department to address issues relating to personnel travelling between barracks. [18863/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by the military authorities that, for the most part, personnel are only deployed within their own Brigade area. However, on occasion, personnel have been redeployed for security operations to other locations, including Dublin which is a key centre for large-scale operations and ceremonial activity for the Defence Forces. It is important that military personnel have experience of the full range of duties of being part of a military force in a situation where they may be called upon to reinforce operations in different parts of the country. This requires their deployment to locations where they can gain that experience.
The Defence Forces primarily use official military transport for travel between barracks for official purposes. However, if such transport is not available, and if the travel is certified as being essential, then a suitable travel allowance can be paid to compensate the individual concerned. Travel warrants for use on public transport are also available for such travel.
Arrangements are also in place for personnel who are deployed away from their home station for a period of time (training courses, temporary duty etc.), so as to assist them in travelling between such locations either by the provision of official transport, the appropriate travel allowance or a travel warrant for use on public transport.
Furthermore, a change of station allowance is payable for a specified period to compensate personnel who are based away from their home address when they have not sought such transfer.
Members of the Defence Forces may also request a transfer between military locations, subject to the exigencies of the service.
The military authorities seek to minimise the domestic disturbance of personnel, whilst also ensuring the operational capability of the organisation is not diminished.
