Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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483. To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding non-payment of Defence Forces' salary in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42099/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Military Authorities have advised me that the officer referred to by the Deputy did not receive payment from 25 August 2003 until 24 January 2005 as she had exceeded the sick leave limits for which she was entitled to be paid.

In accordance with Defence Force Regulations an officer on sick leave is entitled to full pay for up to 365 days over the aggregate period of the last 4 years. When that limit is reached the officer is entitled to half pay for another 183 sick days provided the total sick days taken by the officer does not exceed the limit of 548 days over the previous four years. On reaching the limit of 548 days the officer is not entitled to any pay and allowances. The officer concerned reached the 548 days limit with effect from 25 August 2003 and her pay was stopped accordingly from that date.

On 18 January 2005 the officer was examined by a Medical Board and was found to be medically fit for work and was instructed to report for duty on 24 January 2005. The officer returned to duty on 24 January 2005 and her pay was subsequently reinstated with effect from that date.

The Deputy has also made recent representations to me on behalf of the officer concerned following the officer making direct contact with him. General Routine Order 43/1955 requires communications regarding service matters to be transmitted by members of the Defence Forces through recognised official channels and expressly forbids direct contact with members of the Oireachtas in this regard.