99.—(1) Where it appears to the Minister that a person who is or subsequently becomes a man of the Permanent Defence Force has deserted or left in destitute circumstances, without reasonable cause, F76[his spouse or any of his children (including any of his children in respect of whom his spouse is not a parent and any children he has adopted under F77[an adoption order within the meaning of section 3(1) of the Adoption Act 2010 or an intercountry adoption effected outside the State and recognised under that Act])] under the age of sixteen years, the Minister may order to be deducted from the daily pay of such person as a man of the Permanent Defence Force and applied in such manner as the Minister thinks fit towards the maintenance of F76[the spouse or any such children] such portion (not exceeding, in case he holds the rank of sergeant or a higher non-commissioned army rank or the rank of petty officer or a higher non-commissioned naval rank, two-thirds or, in any other case, three-fourths) of his daily pay as the Minister thinks fit.

(2) Where a reservist is called out on permanent service, subsection (1) of this section shall apply in respect of him in like manner as it applies in respect of a man of the Permanent Defence Force.