Written answers

Wednesday, 12 December 2007

Department of Defence

Overseas Missions

9:00 pm

Photo of Joe CareyJoe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 56: To ask the Minister for Defence the percentage of the normal annual leave allowance for each category lost by senior officers, junior officers and enlisted personnel respectively on foot of serving overseas for a six month tour of duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34434/07]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The annual leave entitlements for members of the Defence Forces are as follows:

a.Senior Officers 43 days

b.Junior Officers 31 days

c.Enlisted Personnel 29 days.

These annual leave entitlements are reduced by a set amount while the member of the Defence Forces is on an overseas tour of duty. The reduction is 3.5 days per month for senior officers, 2.5 days per month for junior officers and 1 day per month for enlisted personnel. However, it should be noted that entitlement to overseas leave is accrued while on a six-month overseas tour. The actual leave entitlement depends on the mission and such overseas leave must be taken during the period of the mission. In addition, Defence Forces personnel serving overseas on a six-month tour of duty may avail of annual leave during their deployment overseas, subject to the operational requirements of the mission.

It is standard policy to fully support our troops who give such valuable service on overseas tours of duty. In this regard, leave with pay and allowances is normally granted to all ranks on return from service outside the State with an International United Nations Force. This is granted on the basis of 6 days in respect of each calendar month of external service from the first day of the month in which the period of external service commenced to the first day of the month on which the period of external service ceased. This is subject to a maximum of 30 days in respect of the period of external service involved.

A claim has been received from the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO) that no officer should be at a loss of annual leave as a result of overseas service. This claim will be processed through the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for the Permanent Defence Force. By agreement with the Association, discussions under the Scheme are confidential to the parties involved. Accordingly, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this issue at this time.

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Defence the projected cost of transporting all Irish troops and their equipment, personal and otherwise, to and from Chad over the duration of the participation of the Defence Forces in the forthcoming EU mission there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34429/07]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 46.

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