Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 March 2023
154. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will set out the full range of allowances payable to members of the Defence Forces deploying even for short periods to the Special Training Command in Strasbourg, Germany in support to the EUs Military Assistance Mission in Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine). [14274/23]
View answerThe EU’s Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine, provides training to Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel on the territory of EU Member States. It is important to note that while the Government Decision provides for the deployment of up to thirty personnel at any given time, the nature of the mission is such that there are likely to be considerable periods during its two-year mandate when there will be no trainers deployed to the mission.
During those periods, the only Defence Forces participation in the mission will be the small number of personnel working in the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) in Brussels, Belgium (the Operational HQ) and the multinational Special Training Command (STC) in Strausberg, Germany.
The training requirement that the Defence Forces will be asked to provide, how frequently it will take place, what duration and the number, and ranks, of Personnel involved is a work in progress and yet to be confirmed by Military Management. It is anticipated, however, that these modules will be delivered by small teams of trainers over short periods, not normally exceeding a few weeks.
Given the anticipated short-course duration of the training deployments, the issue of allowances remains under consideration. Travel and subsistence payments, in line with public service rules, will be paid.
Personnel on longer term deployments will benefit from Financial Support Packages provided to members of the Defence Forces, when posted to certain overseas appointments, which are standardised with those that apply across the rest of the public service.
