asked the Minister for Defence when he expects to decide the level of increase he will grant to the Defence Forces; the date which the current pay increases is due; when payment will be made; the basis on which any proposed wage increase will be based; who will be responsible for negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

In line with an arbitration award to certain grades in the Civil Service, the pay of all ranks up to and including commandant was revised at the end of 1983. The increase, which varied from 4 per cent to 6 per cent depending on rank and service, is payable in three instalments the second of which — amounting to approximately 2.5 per cent — is due to be paid from 1 December 1984. Payment of the revised rates will be made as early as possible after the date.

In so far as any increase under a 24th round is concerned, the 1984 budget made no provision for a general round increase for public servants. With regard to 1985, I refer the Deputy to sections 7.20 and 7.21 of the national plan Building on Reality.

I apologise to the Minister. I was delayed by a traffic accident in Kildare Street and I have been there for the last three-quarters of an hour. Could the Minister tell me what is the process of decision taking in relation to the matter? Who will decide and on what basis will there be a decision?

I think I can answer that by saying that the pay of the Defence Forces is linked traditionally with the pay of the Civil Service.