Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
680. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if cadets that have been deployed again to the front line as contact tracers and contact tracing trainers and have had their their training suspended again will be paid the military service allowance (details supplied). [33085/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra686. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Defence if the cadets that have been deployed again to the front line as contact tracers and contact tracing trainers with their own training suspended will be paid the military service allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33098/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 680 and 686 together.
The circumstances facing the State with the COVID 19 virus pandemic has placed unprecedented demands on the principal response agencies and the health service in particular. The Defence Forces are providing supports, across a wide range of areas, to the civil authorities as part of the State's response to the COVID 19 virus. Defence Force Cadets have been assigned to carry out contract tracing for the HSE.
Cadets are continuing to receive their pay, which starts at €19,640 per annum. Cadets also receive their accommodation and rations free of charge.
The Maintenance of Essential Services Allowance (MESA) is paid to members of the Defence Forces who are deployed on occasion to support the Civil Authorities, across a wide range of scenarios. It is paid in addition to basic pay.
In addition to the annualised salaries which cadets receive while in training, they will be paid a daily Maintenance of Essential Service Allowance for duties they are assigned to in contact tracing for the HSE. The allowance is €50.80 per day for weekdays; €76.31 on Saturdays (where no working day as a rest day); €101.74 on Sundays and Defence Forces holidays.
A Military Service Allowance is paid to all members of the Permanent Defence Force, who have completed their training, up to and including the rank of Colonel. In accordance with paragraph 67(2)(a) of Defence Force Regulations S3 - Pay and Allowances (Permanent Defence Force), Military Service Allowance is not paid to cadets.
This matter is currently the subject of a claim through the Conciliation and Arbitration scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. As discussions in the scheme are confidential to the parties, it would not be appropriate to comment any further.
