asked the Minister for Defence if, having regard to the growing discontent in the Army with career prospects, salaries and conditions of service, he will have a representative body, or some form of conciliation and arbitration machinery, established.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Conciliation and Arbitration Machinery.
102.
Mr. Ryan
The conditions of service in the Army are under constant and sympathetic consideration. Any improvements which are considered warranted are carried out having regard to conditions generally in other sectors of the public service.
Mr. Ryan
Are we to take it that the Minister will not consider the establishment of any scheme of conciliation and arbitration? Can we prevail upon the Minister to take a second look at this in the same way as he is prepared to reconsider the question of automatic promotion for captains? Having regard to the fact that there is a system of conciliation and arbitration for the Garda Síochána, surely a similar scheme should be applied to the Army?
The officers holding appointments in the principal military offices are charged with making recommendations on the matters the Deputy has in mind.
Mr. Ryan
Is it not clear from the fact that one has to ask Questions in the House and request automatic promotion for captains and that there are other grievances in the Army which are raised here from time to time, that there is a need for a scheme of conciliation and arbitration or for a representative body in the Army? It would be preferable, in the Minister's own words, that these things be raised in that way rather than in the House.