Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
1470. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount paid in allowances to Defence Forces personnel to compensate those who are based away from their home address without seeking such a transfer; the way this amount is calculated; and if it varies in accordance with rank. [19831/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1471. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount of expenses allocated to Defence Forces personnel when arrangements are made to assist them on deployment duties such as training courses, temporary duty and so on. [19832/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1470 and 1471 together.
Defence Forces Regulations provide for the payment of certain allowances to qualifying personnel on change of station. The allowances payable depend on the individual circumstances of each applicant. In general, prescribed travel allowances may be paid for up to nine months. There is also provision in the regulations to cover certain costs, such as auctioneers and legal fees, incurred by qualifying personnel who purchase a house at their new station. The allowances are available to all ranks.
The provision for Permanent Defence Force Allowances for 2017 is €38.68m. This includes allowances such as Change of Station, Overseas, Subsistence, Travel, Uniform, Border, Security, Patrol Duty, etc.
Military transport is provided to Defence Forces personnel to attend training courses, to perform temporary duties etc. Where no military transport is available, personnel can avail of public transport rate expenses to cover the cost of travel. Accommodation and rations are also provided at the public expense for personnel attending training course away from their home station or where they are required to live in barracks for the period of the training course.
I am advised by the military authorities that every effort is made to limit the disruption to personnel and that due consideration of personal circumstances is taken where possible.
