Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Dec 1997

Vol. 485 No. 3

Written Answers. - Employment Equality Policy.

David Stanton

Question:

29 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 173 of 12 November 1997 and in view of the Defence Forces Regulations R5 paragraph 95(2) his views on whether the deduction for rations is decided on the sole basis of whether a reservist is married or single; if all the remaining criteria in this paragraph are common to both single and married reservists; his views on whether this constitutes discrimination based on marital status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23039/97]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

In July 1992, following consultation with representatives of the personnel of the FCA and An Slua Muirí, a representative association was established for the Reserve Defence Force. This association, called the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association (RDFRA), now represents its members in discussions with the Department of Defence on matters concerning their remuneration and certain other conditions of service. Rates of allowances, including deductions for rations, come within the scope of representation. Accordingly, this is a matter which comes within the remit of RDFRA and which can be dealt with under the representative arrangements which have been agreed with the association. It is open to the representative association to present a claim at any time. No claim has been received from the association in regard to the question of ration deductions.