Border allowances ‘no longer justifiable’

ALLOWANCES paid to members of the Defence Forces on duty in border regions are no longer justified according to the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG).

The allowance still costs the state more than €5 million a year, even though the political and security situation for soldiers working in the area has changed.

The allowance was originally introduced in 1969 because duty in border posts involved extra responsibility, poor accommodation and disruption to army personnel who were separated from their families. The weekly rate last year was €96.41 for enlisted personnel and €112.19 for officers. The payment cost the State €5.38m last year, €5.47m in 2006 and €4.79m in 2005 despite the ending of the troubles.