Defence Forces Remuneration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2019

Thursday, 7 March 2019

Ceisteanna (71)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

71. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the expenditure incurred in military service allowances in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11386/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

A Military Service Allowance (MSA) is paid to all ranks of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) up to the level of Colonel. MSA is designed to compensate for the special disadvantages associated with military life. This includes unsocial hours of duty, exposure to danger and the restrictions inherent in military discipline.

In 2018, the total amount paid to all relevant ranks of the PDF was €46.5m (provisional).