Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

831. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the efforts being made to reinstate the 24-hour duty payment to Defence Forces personnel that was cut from €40 to €20. [9622/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Rates of remuneration and conditions of employment in the Irish public sector have traditionally been set by reference to relative levels of pay across the various sectors of the Irish public sector. In this regard, the level of remuneration in the Defence sector has maintained relativity with the levels available in other related public sector employments. The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts of 2009-201 5 and the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-201 8 (Lansdowne Road Agreement) define current pay policy.

In the Haddington Road Agreement (Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2 016) the Government reaffirmed its commitment that public service pay and any related issues would not be revisited over the lifetime of that Agreement, subject to compliance with the terms of the Agreement. Crucially, there was no cut to the basic pay of any enlisted personnel under the Agreement. Of the measures applying to the Defence Forces in the Haddington Road Agreement, the following may apply to enlisted personnel depending on their duties:

- Incorporation of duties attracting Technical Group 1 pay into standard duties for new enlisted personnel.

- Flat rating Security Duty Allowance and related payments at the standard weekday rate.

- A 10% Reduction in certain Defence Forces Allowances.

- Voluntary buyout of Border Duty Allowance for enlisted personnel.

- Implementation of additional incremental points in pay scales for new enlisted personnel post 01 July 2013.

In terms of remuneration going forward, the new Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC), announced by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, has been tasked with providing objective analysis and advice on the most appropriate pay levels for the public service, including the Defence Forces.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

832. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the out-of-barracks payment paid to Defence Forces personnel will be reinstated; and his views on criticism over the time being taken to process subsistence payments. [9623/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Rates of remuneration and conditions of employment in the Irish public sector have traditionally been set by reference to relative levels of pay across the various sectors of the Irish public sector. In this regard, the level of remuneration in the Defence sector has maintained relativity with the levels available in other related public sector employments. The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts of 2009-2015 and the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2018 (Lansdowne Road Agreement) define current pay policy.

Parties to the Haddington Road Agreement (Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2016) noted that the Government intended to review travel and subsistence arrangements for the public Service and agreed to full co-operation with the review and the implementation of a standardised system of travel and subsistence across the Public Service. It was agreed between the parties that the best way to approach the review was through the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for Civil Service and any agreement reached would then be applied across other parts of the Public Service.

Following agreement, on the 23 April 2015 the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform issued circular 05/2015 implementing revisions for civil servants. By way of letter to this Department, dated the 15 May 2015 from Department of Public Expenditure and Reform the revisions were to be applied to the Defence Force Personnel with effect from 1 July 2015. The Department made the necessary arrangements and the revised Travel and Subsistence regime was introduced.

Subsequently PDFORRA (Representative Association) raised a number of issues of clarification. As these outstanding issues are currently being resolved with in the C&A Scheme it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.

I am advised by officials that they are not aware of any criticism over the timeframe being taken to process subsistence payments. One aspect of the payment of subsistence in a timely manner is dependent on the correct information being set out on the claim. Claims are validated against the appropriate procedure. In some circumstances where additional information/ original receipts is required, this may result in the processing of the payment being delayed until the matter is clarified. Staff of the Department often act in a guidance role providing claimants with information regarding what they need to provide in order for a claim to be processed and for payment to issue in a timely manner.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

833. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide a breakdown of duty pay allowances given to Defence Forces personnel to pay for rations; and if his Department, or the military authorities, have been made aware of concerns regarding the quality of meals provided to Defence Forces personnel. [9624/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am advised by my officials that the Department is not aware of any duty pay allowance given to Defence Forces personnel to pay for rations.

However, I am advised that Security Duty Allowance (SDA) is paid in respect of a wide range of security duties on which personnel are detailed to perform outside of normal duty hours. This includes Aid to the Civil Power duties and all duties necessary for security of military barracks/installations, including 24 hour and weekend duties.

Where personnel are rostered for an armed 24 hour security duty, which confines the individual insidea barracks/installation for a defined period in order to perform the 24 hour security task there is a requirement to ensure that personnel have the necessary calorie level intake over the 24 hour. Therefore Defence Force Personnel are entitled to avail of catering while engaged on security duties.

I am advised that no issues have been officially raised with the Military Authorities with regard to the food quality within 1 Brigade, 2 Brigade, Defence Force Training College or the Naval Service. However, I am advised that the Air Corps Headquarters have confirmed to the Department that a small number of minor local issues have arisen in relation to the food available in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, such as menu choice. However, Air Corps Headquarters have confirmed that all available measures are being examined in order to remedy the local issues identified with immediate effect. I can confirm that the Military Authorities are not aware of any issues in relation to the quality of the food sourced and supplied by external suppliers.