Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is not the same allowance as the overseas allowance. It is a tweaking of existing allowances, but it is a help and a new development. I indicated this when people were returning from UNDOF. We accept that the overseas allowance is a valuable one for many members. On top of gaining experience working overseas, the allowance can be a significant additional assistance to members. When we pull out of UNDOF, we are reducing opportunities for overseas experience and allowance accrual. The battle group has never provided any additionality in that respect because it is a different type of operation. In fact, personnel will be training in Ireland for the first year. For the second year, they will be on standby with the battle group. There is a fundamental difference.