Vol. 489 No. 7
16 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a consultation and arbitration system or alternatively an ombudsman or a liaison officer for processing difficulties for members of the FCA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9313/98]
Defence Forces Regulations S.7 and its enabling legislation, the Defence Amendment Act, 1990, provide for representative structures for members of the Defence Forces, including the FCA and Slua Muiri. The issue of a conciliation and arbitration scheme for the ranks represented by RDFRA has been raised with me by representatives of the association. While I am conscious of the significance of issues raised by RDFRA, realistically, the representative system is primarily designed to address the issues affecting the livelihood of members of the Permanent Defence Force.
RDFRA is not concerned with the day to day earnings of its members. In this regard, therefore, the interests of RDFRA's members must be weighed against the interests of members of PDFORRA and RACO. In reality, this precludes the establishment of a conciliation and arbitration scheme for the Reserve Defence Force.
My comments on this issue are a reflection of the situation as it is and are not in any way an adverse reflection on the members of the Reserve Defence Force or the members of the association.
I am conscious that there are a number of unresolved issues which RDFRA feels should have third party intervention. When I met officials of the association in January I asked for a list of four or five items that, from their point of view, needed urgent resolution. The association has now corresponded with me and the matters it detailed are under consideration in my Department.
Having met the association, is the Minister not aware that morale is at a very low ebb because a conciliation and arbitration system is not in place? From talking to members of the representative association, it seems to me that morale is so low that it will damage the organisation and the Defence Forces will suffer accordingly.
Given the important role the FCA plays in the Defence Forces and the service it provides, surely it is not a major problem for the Department of Defence to consider putting a conciliation and arbitration system in place. It would alleviate the problems that exist as well as ensuring that morale which I understand is at an all time low within the organisation would be increased. We should put in place a sound basis for the development of the FCA. In that way the Minister will be seen to have rectified current problems.
Having listened not only to members of the association but also to ordinary members there certainly is a need for a morale boost for the group.
I come from a background where, generally speaking, there is much sympathy and understanding for members of RDFRA and the Reserve Defence Force. I appreciate the contribution it makes, particularly in so many outlying areas which are far from the main activities of the Defence Forces.
It is important to realise that the Defence Forces as a whole are going through a period of significant change and that in itself, places pressure on morale. There are many other factors that combine to create certain difficulties. A review of the Defence Forces is under way and sometimes fear of the unknown does not help. That was why, in January, I asked the association to give examples of four or five matters that are hurting and said I would see to what extent I could help.
One can have a conciliation and arbitration scheme or any mechanism one likes, but it does not necessarily mean one will resolve problems with it. Having such a scheme does not guarantee any positive results. It is important to distinguish between a system that is in place to deal with pay and remuneration for people whom one employs permanently and those who are employed by somebody else, but with whom one is involved in a voluntary capacity. That distinction must be made.
I am anxious to resolve any outstanding difficulties. My office is open to help and to make sure that such difficulties, which are creating a problem, will be resolved. They must be put into the body of change taking place and which has put much pressure on many elements in every area of the Defence Forces. I assure the Deputy, however, that while I cannot accede to his request, I am open to helping or providing any alternative I can find to resolve any difficulties which lie in the way.
Given that the Minister met the group to discuss a number of items which were of paramount importance, will he indicate when those four or five items, which he said were the major cause of disgruntlement within the group, will be dealt with? Has the Department agreed to resolve some of those problems already? Will the Minister tell me when the timetable will be put in place to rectify the problems discussed?
The Deputy is probably well aware that the annual training gratuity and payment for the Defence Forces is exactly the same as for the Permanent Defence Force. They took a considerable time to come to me in relation to their priorities but I was able to respond quite quickly in making provision for additional resources, which enabled the association to employ a researcher to help it in the process of the review.
Within the limitations that exist, I am anxious to resolve matters like this as quickly as possible. As to how long it will take, some of the issues can be resolved quite quickly, while others will take a little time. One may find that the final presentation of a solution will be different from what most people would like, but it is impossible to obtain unanimity on all these matters.
In the Minister's reply he admitted that because of the reorganisation of the Defence Forces, morale could drop in some cases. The Minister only mentioned one of the five problems that were discussed. Within a period, will the Minister give me an assurance that the other four items will be dealt with to the satisfaction of the association?
One of the problems in the House is that when one gives a little one is asked for too much. The Deputy would be doing extraordinarily well today if he could obtain an absolutely satisfactory answer to that question. These matters will have to be teased out. I will approach the matter from a generous position. I will do everything I can within reason and will not delay in doing so.
As the time for Priority Questions has concluded we will move into ordinary time. Question No. 17 falls.
Since these were Priority Questions there may be others further down of the same rank, so may I include them as well?
Right.
