Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 May 2022
159. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence the engagement he has had with military authorities on increasing the budgetary figure for meals for personnel in line with the rise of inflation we are experiencing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23789/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDefence Forces personnel may avail of daily meals in certain circumstances. This includes personnel engaged in security duties, approved training courses, on operational exercises and single personnel living in barracks.
I am advised that a daily ration rate is set by the military authorities and that this rate is used as a budgeting figure by military cooks when supplying meals to personnel. The rate is currently €4.20 per day.
The rate was originally calculated based on a scale of provisions determined to deliver nutritionally balanced meals with recommended levels of essential food groups and having regard to the cost of such food to the Defence Forces and economies of scale that are achieved.
The military authorities have advised that the rate has been adjusted over time to provide for inflation and that the daily ration rate is under review having regard to the re-tendering of Office of Government Procurement food contracts, a process which is currently underway. It should be noted that this matter is a delegated sub head to the Defence Forces. I also note that the Representative Association for other ranks PDFORRA have raised this matter with officials in my Department and their views will be considered.
