Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I ask this question on behalf of Deputy O'Meara. As the Tánaiste will know, Uachtarán na hÉireann today paid tribute to members of the Civil Defence. Ireland's Civil Defence has been in existence for 75 years. I am sure we all compliment them on the great work they do in our local communities.

I welcome the Tánaiste's announcement during the week regarding instructor allowances for officers in the Defence Forces. The announcement of instructor payments for officer members who are heavily relied on to plan, supervise and deliver crucial training along with their non-commissioned instructor colleagues is a vital measure in recruitment and retention, which we spoke about earlier. Will the Tánaiste let us know when this particular measure will be implemented?

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