Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 18 October 2012

Public Accounts Committee

2011 Appropriation Accounts of the Comptroller and Auditor General
Vote 36: Defence - Review of Allowances

10:55 am

Photo of Gerald NashGerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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The Border duty allowance for enlisted personnel is €96.23, which would amount to 15% to 20% of pay even for somebody in a middle grade. It represents a significant amount for a family. It is ironic that members of the Defence Forces are often required to accompany personnel of other emergency services who enjoy overtime and various other allowances. Mr. Howard shone a useful light on the fact that the lack of overtime in the Defence Forces is made up by a series of allowances. How do allowances and the pay structure of the Defence Forces compare internationally, including with our nearest neighbours in the United Kingdom?