Vol. 538 No. 5
35 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of his statement on 17 May 2001 that he would be very happy to consider meeting RACO when he is informed of its proposed items for the agenda, he has been informed of that association's proposed items for the agenda; if so, when he was informed; if he has agreed to meet the association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17632/01]
56 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence when he last met representatives of PDFORRA and RACO; when he plans to next meet with them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18306/01]
96 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of his statement on 17 May 2001 that he would be very happy to consider meeting RACO when he is informed of its proposed items for the agenda, he has been informed of that association's proposed items for the agenda; if so, when he was informed; if he has agreed to meet the association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17665/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 56 and 96 together.
I last met RACO on 15 June 2000, and my last meeting with PDFORRA was on 27 June 2000. I also attended both representative associations' annual delegate conferences last Autumn.
Following my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 63 of 15 May last, my office received a request from RACO for a meeting together with a proposed agenda. On 12 June, having considered the request, my office replied to RACO and a meeting is now being arranged.
No request has been received from PDFORRA for a meeting with me since I last met them. Should such a request arise, I would of course be happy to meet that association.
In this context, I am anxious to encourage the use of the established conciliation and arbitration machinery to the greatest possible extent for dealing with routine business. I regard it as important to the success of the conciliation and arbitration process that both sides should attempt to resolve issues at the most appropriate level.
There are very regular meetings and contact between my officials and the military authorities with the associations to discuss the full range of issues which come within the scope of representation.
