asked the Minister for Defence whether in view of the general increases in wages which are being granted it is proposed to grant reasonable increases in pay to members of the Defence Forces.

157.

asked the Minister for Defence if he has any proposals for reviewing the pay of Army personnel.

I propose with your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 156 and 157 together.

The question of increases in pay for members of the Defence Forces is under active consideration.

Could the Minister say is it likely that there will be a decision on the matter before Christmas and that whatever increase is granted will mark a substantial improvement on the recent paltry increases given to the members of the Defence Forces?

I think it would be best if the Deputy left the matter as it is at the moment.

That is all right if these men could live. Are we likely to get a decision before Christmas? That is not unreasonable, seeing they have waited so patiently?

The Minister's predecessor made a good hash of it.