Vol. 538 No. 5
49 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Defence the progress which has been made in introducing partnership structures for the Defence Forces; when he expects these structures will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17640/01]
91 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Defence the progress which has been made in introducing partnership structures for the Defence Forces; when he expects these structures will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17660/01]
I propose taking Questions Nos. 49 and 91 together.
The representative associations PDFORRA and RACO signed and agreed to the terms of Partnership 2000 in November 1998, considerably later than other public service groups. Consequently, the process of setting up partnership arrangements in the Defence Forces did not commence as early as in other sectors of the public service. I believe that the partnership approach can be used to good effect in the management of the changes being under taken throughout the Defence Forces.
Discussions are continuing with both representative associations in relation to the introduction of partnership structures in the Defence Forces. These discussions are at an advanced stage and it is my intention to set up a Defence Forces national partnership steering committee as soon as these discussions are completed. Following this, individual partnership committees will be set up at local level. I am sure the Deputies will agree it is important that due time and consideration should be given to this issue to ensure the arrangements arrived at are satisfactory to members of the Defence Forces while also addressing the organisational requirements of the Defence Forces.
Question No. 50 answered with Question No. 34.
Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 21.
