I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 192 together.
The representative associations for the Permanent Defence Force, RACO and PDFORRA operate under a conciliation and arbitration scheme. It is accepted that such systems have traditionally been adversarial in nature and did not lend themselves easily to the management of change. The Partnership 2000 for Inclusion, Employment and Competitiveness advocates building more open, co-operative processes on existing arrangements. In the context of both the process of re-organisation of the Defence Forces and Partnership 2000 I have asked the Secretary General of the Department to develop proposals on providing a forum in which to develop joint ownership of change. Such structures would, of course, complement the existing conciliation and arbitration scheme.
Consideration is still being given to proposed partnership structures for RACO and PDFORRA and I do not want to pre-empt the outcome of that examination. In general, I believe employment relationships can be very much improved by an acceptance by both sides that substantial support of each other is necessary to make progress. Both sides must accept also that each has a legitimate role and interest in the organisation. Such steps should lead to higher levels of mutual respect for and trust in each others positions. This approach has already been warmly welcomed by PDFORRA representatives who regard it as "a major breakthrough".