Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I, too, welcome the representatives of the representative organisations and Mr. Howard and his colleagues for this important discussion. It never ceases to amaze me the low level of pay enjoyed by privates in particular, and often how long it takes somebody to reach the middle of the scale. It is important to look at the discussions that we are having this morning on allowances in the context of low pay. The general issue of low pay is a discussion for another day. We are here to discuss allowances.

The representatives may be able to assist me in informing the meeting how long training takes for an enlisted private. I will pose a series of questions and I would be happy if they answer them one by one. The PDFORRA representative may be in a position to best answer that one.