asked the Minister for Defence whether he has yet decided to make any payment to officers of the Defence Forces in respect of their assignment to duties in Dublin during the recent transport dispute; and, if not, how the matter now stands.

The question of financial loss alleged to have been suffered by officers of the Permanent Defence Force by reason of their employment on duties connected with the provision of the emergency transport service by Army lorries is still under examination. Until this examination is completed, a decision cannot be taken as to whether any payment should be made to the officers concerned.

Will the Minister say how long the examination is likely to take?

We have not got replies to our inquiries from those concerned.

Are the replies outstanding from the officers?

I think so.