Vol. 491 No. 7
12 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of his statement on 27 November 1997 stating that he had asked the Secretary General of his Department to develop proposals as soon as possible for new partnership structures to provide a forum to develop joint ownership of change with the representative associations, these proposals have been developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12973/98]
44 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of his statement on 27 November 1997 stating that he had asked the Secretary General of his Department to develop proposals as soon as possible for new partnership structures to provide a forum to develop joint ownership of change with the representative associations, these proposals have been developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9068/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 44 together.
The representative associations for the Permanent Defence Force, RACO and PDFORA 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. Although the associations have not yet signed the Partnership 2000 agreement, I have asked the Secretary General of the Department to develop proposals on providing a forum in which, in the context of both the process of reorganisation of the Defence Forces and Partnership 2000, joint ownership of change can be achieved. Such structures will complement the existing conciliation and arbitration scheme.
The question of engaging outside specialist assistance in this area is being considered in conjunction with the representative associations. Consideration is also being given to the partnership structures for RACO and PDFORA and I do not want to pre-empt the outcome of this process. In general I believe employment relationships can be very much improved by the acceptance by both sides that substantial support of each other is necessary to make progress. Both sides must also accept that each has a legitimate role and interest in the organisation. Such steps should lead to a higher level of mutual respect for and trust in each others positions.
Has there been consultation with representative associations on the Minister's proposed White Paper on Defence?
I had a thorough meeting with RACO last week, during which a number of issues on the agenda were discussed, including the White Paper on Defence. I indicated to RACO that I would invite submissions from the representative associations very soon. A meeting has been arranged with PDFORA for next week to continue that process. There will be other items on the agenda. The invitation to these associations to submit their respective views on the White Paper and the future of the Defence Forces is imminent.
I am pleased to hear that. If there is to be effective change in the Defence Forces it is very important that the legislative structure is in place. The changes in legislation necessary to drive the implementation plan have not yet been made. When does the Minister expect this legislation to be in place so that the changes can proceed in a formal way?
My application to the High Court for an adjournment resulted in the granting of a three week span during which, with the agreement of the Government and the unanimous support of the House, we were able to introduce legislation which underpinned the Green Book. To some extent it cut across the other work, however, necessary. The draft of the Defence Reorganisation Bill came to my office yesterday. I will do everything I can to have it before the Government in its completed form very soon. I know time is running out in terms of this Dáil session. If the Bill is approved by the Government I may seek the co-operation of the Opposition to facilitate the passage of the legislation, if possible on a quick time scale, before the summer recess. I will revert to the Opposition Front Bench spokespersons in due course.
Is the Minister rigid in his approach to only dealing with RACO and PDFORA? I have received a number of representations from groups such as wives with husbands serving overseas who made representations but were told that PDFORA or RACO were the only organisations who could meet or make representations to him. They felt let down because while they look after the home they are unable to have their voices represented.
I have paid tribute on previous occasions to the wives, partners, husbands and families of serving members overseas. Without their commitment it would not be possible to fulfil our mandate with the UN in such a successful manner. The Government and the public appreciate that commitment, including the fact that on many occasions family members are away from important family or other events. It would not be possible under this kind of scheme, dealing with Partnership 2000 and the wider and broader questions that must be addressed in the conciliation and arbitration and other partnership arrangements, to embody a variety of representative groups. However, at the request of the Deputy, I would be happy to hold a meeting with a representative group outside of this partnership arrangement if that is deemed necessary.
