I am satisfied in general that the existing Defence Force regulations, made pursuant to the Defence Act, 1954, are in compliance with the provisions of the Equality Act, 1998. The representative association PDFORRA has recently raised the question of the arrangements governing the deduction for rations, in that married personnel currently enjoy an exemption from the general application of the deduction referred to.
Rates of allowances, including deductions for rations, come within the scope of representation. The question of the deductions for rations is now being dealt with under the conciliation and arbitration scheme. The terms of the scheme provide that discussions at conciliation and arbitration are confidential to the parties involved. Accordingly, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment in detail on this issue, except to say that I would anticipate that the matter will be finalised at an early date.