asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the report of the Legal Affairs Committee of the European Parliament regarding the right of members of armed forces to form associations, drawn up and approved by the European Parliament in 1984; if the Government have considered the report; if so, if he intends to accept the recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Formation of Defence Forces Associations.
25.
(Limerick West): In relation to the question of the formation of associations or unions by members of the Defence Forces I refer the Deputy to the reply given by me on 7 December, 1988 to questions on this subject.
There has been no change in Government policy in this regard in the meantime.
I accept fully that this Minister has no commitment to the establishment of a representative association within the Defence Forces. My question was an attempt to draw his attention to the unanimous decision of the European Parliament recommending Governments to establish such associations. Has he considered that report and does he accept the finding which states that there is no legal reason against such an association being formed in this country? It appears to the European Parliament investigators that the only reason such an association is not being formed is due to outmoded military practices. Can the Minister comment in that regard?
(Limerick West): It is understood that a resolution arising from the report referred to was passed by the European Parliament in April 1984. It was noted by the Council of Ministers of the EC at their meeting in May 1984. Nothing further has been heard of the matter. Certain European countries do permit the existence of representative bodies within their armed forces. In these countries national service on conscription is generally used as a means of recruitment.There is no direct comparison in such cases with the position in Ireland which maintains a voluntary Army.
Would the Minister accept that the resolution strongly recommends the formation of associations, making the point that soldiers are no more than civilians in uniform and that the recommendation does not seek to differentiate in any way between countries which recruit through conscription and those which recruit voluntarily? Would the Minister not accept that an association is in no way inimical to good order and discipline within the Defence Forces and that its formation would have regard to the strong discipline and the full regard which all of us in this House profess for members of the Defence Forces?
There is some repetition. The Deputy has made his point.
(Limerick West): I have already indicated that it would be incompatible with the structure of the Irish Army and its discipline.
In what way?
(Limerick West): Regarding the resolution to which the Deputy has referred, I have indicated that nothing further has arisen as a result of that decision.
Given that an association of such form would deal with wages and conditions, would the Minister indicate how he would consider such an association in some way deleterious to discipline within the Defence Forces? How does he maintain that proposition?
(Limerick West): I have indicated previously that it would be totally incompatible with the disciplinary structures of the Irish Army. If the Deputy does not understand that, I cannot help him.
It is time for the Minister to get out and let somebody who understands the 20th century take over the job.
He should listen to the Army spouses.