I wish to join in the expression of appreciation to the personnel providing this excellent emergency service during this unfortunate strike. Could the Minister inform the House whether any of the 558 military personnel who are now doing this work have yet received any of the special allowance payments in respect of the work to which the Minister referred?

(Limerick West): I would expect that they have.

The Minister is of the opinion that they have been paid?

(Limerick West): Yes.

I ask the Minister to check, because from experience I am aware that there has been a very great reluctance in the past to pay these special allowances to Army personnel, that very long periods have passed after the services have been given.

I am not aware that the special allowance has been mentioned in this question.

This has been an area of contention.

(Limerick West): I assure the Deputy that there is no such reluctance and no such delay in paying these allowances.

The soldiers will be glad to hear that.