Vol. 496 No. 4
26 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence his views on the opinions recently expressed by the General Secretary of PDFORRA in a newspaper article (details supplied) regarding morale in the Defence Forces, the effect of his restructuring process and the ability of the Defence Forces to perform international duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23005/98]
The representative associations for the permanent Defence Forces, RACO and PDFORRA, operate under a conciliation and arbitration scheme which provides a means for both sides to discuss issues which are of importance to them and to arrive at mutually acceptable resolutions. The scheme and its enabling legislation also sets out the range of subjects which come within the scope of representation.
The issues referred to by PDFORRA are specifically excluded by legislation from the association's remit and from the representative process. Accordingly, I do not propose to make any further comment on the article. If the Deputy wishes to put down direct questions on the issues raised I will be happy to deal with them.
I attended the PDFORRA conference in Cork and saw the reaction to the Minister. How many meetings have taken place with PDFORRA since then? In addition, how does the Minister see morale in the Army Apprentice School in Naas, given that the school has now moved to the Curragh for all intents and purposes? The teachers in the school have not even seen where their workplace will be or what their conditions will be like. They have not been to the Curragh yet to see the facilities.
The specialist staff in the Curragh have been moved to facilitate the relocation of the school within the Curragh camp. How does the Minister view their morale?
There are meetings this week to try to resolve the problems of teachers employed in the apprentice school in Naas. There has been significant expenditure to improve the infrastructure in the Curragh to take account of the influx of these students. I met one of the parents last Sunday at the medals ceremony, and they were very happy with the food and accommodation, which is very good. However, there are outstanding issues to be resolved. I have given a guarantee that they will be able to complete their course within the timespan. We will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that that happens. In the science and technology area there is no problem but there are problems with some of the trades. I hope to resolve the outstanding issues which relate to the teaching profession in Naas. Meetings have been arranged and teachers will visit the Curragh to view its facilities.
So far as PDFORRA is concerned, there has been no request for meetings. There was a phenomenally strong vote for the new pay deal which I negotiated with them and they appear to be happy with much of what is taking place. If I receive an invitation to discuss any outstanding issues I will consider it. I would like to see them put forward a more credible performance particularly in relation to the White Paper. I am saddened they have such a negative approach. It is bad for the Defence Forces. There are opportunities for expansion and development on every front — including pay, infrastructure, United Nations service and general development — and I would like the representative associations to be more directly involved.
Is not the opposite the case, that the Minister should take the initiative? Surely he is not waiting for PDFORRA to lead the direction of the Defence Forces. Given the opportunities for various initiatives, surely it is the Minister's prerogative to meet with PDFORRA to clear up any problems and to put in place a system whereby PDFORRA can act responsibly with the Department and the Minister to reach the projections, to which he has referred.
Since August I have invited submissions on the White Paper and have given an extension of time to PDFORRA. This is a real opportunity to become involved in the Defence mission for the future. On receipt of that submission there will be an opportunity to discuss with PDFORRA and other stakeholders who make an impact in this area. I repeat what I said in Ennis — one does not normally try to insult oneself into a meeting.
