Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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37. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps he will take to address the concerns of the Defence Forces regarding pay and conditions for deployment during the Papal visit in respect of the provision of overtime payments and safe working conditions; the number of Defence Forces staff deployed during the Papal visit; if he has met with members of the Defence Forces about their concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36680/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.

The Gardaí requested ATCP assistance from the Defence Forces in support of the Papal Visit and the number of members of the Defence Forces deployed was 3,104.

Unlike other areas of the Public Service and due to the nature of the duties performed, overtime is not available to members of the Defence Forces. In its place a Military Service Allowance (MSA) is paid to all ranks up to the level of Colonel. Military Service Allowance is designed to compensate for the special conditions associated with military life. These include unsocial hours of duty, exposure to danger, and the restrictions inherent in military discipline. For Privates, Corporals and Sergeants with more than 3 years in service, MSA is worth €115.43 per week, per person. For Senior NCOs the rate is €122.87 per week.

In line with any other occasion when the Defence Forces are requested to operate in an Aid to the Civil Power, Defence Force members on duty in support of An Garda Síochána during the Papal visit will receive Security Duty Allowance (SDA).  The current rates of SDA is €23.81 for each day on duty for less than 24 hours.  The rate is increased to €47.59 for a 24 hour duty.  Security Duty allowance is paid to all enlisted personnel and to officers up to and including the rank of Commandant.

Defence Forces personnel routinely encounter difficult conditions when deployed operationally, personnel are trained and equipped to have the resilience to deal with the conditions in order to successfully complete their mission.

I can confirm that I engage with the Defence Forces on an ongoing basis. 

The assistance provided by the Defence Forces for the duration of the Papal visit is greatly appreciated and acknowledged by myself and my colleagues in Government.