Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 21: To ask the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by the General Secretary of the Permanent Defence Forces Other Ranks Representative Association that members of the Defence Forces were facing extreme hardship as a result of loss of income; the steps he intends to take to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38108/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I fully appreciate that many of our citizens are facing difficulties in the current environment not least those who have lost their jobs due to the economic downturn. The Government is making every effort, within available resources, to support all those who face hardship. In addition, there are various schemes in place through the Department of Social Protection, including Family Income Supplement, to support those on low incomes.

The circumstances surrounding an application for Family Income Supplement or indeed any other scheme operated by the Department of Social protection is a private matter between the applicant and the Department of Social and Family Affairs. I would not be aware, therefore, of the eligibility of individual members of the Permanent Defence Force to receive such allowances.