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

It was very challenging all round to demarcate those entitled to payments across all public services. A total of 717 Defence Forces personnel were deemed eligible and have been paid the full €1,000 pandemic recognition payment. It is not an inconsiderable number. Both Permanent Defence Forces representative associations on two separate occasions issued information circulars to their respective members requesting those who believe themselves eligible for the payment to engage with the joint task force.

The Department is confident all those eligible have received the payment. The Department fully examined all cases for the pandemic recognition payment over a protracted period of 18 months. An extensive validation process took place, including engagement with the Defence Forces joint task force - that was the unit responsible for the deployment of personnel - to include the recording of duties undertaken during the Covid pandemic by defence personnel.

This has not been raised with me prior to today. I will discuss it with my officials again to make absolutely sure.

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