Customs and Excise Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2015

Thursday, 25 June 2015

Questions (93)

John McGuinness

Question:

93. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 286 of 26 May 2015, if he is aware that the HEO forum, customs at the airport and Dublin Port and other employees have expressed objections to the changes being introduced to uniforms and logos; that the information contained in the Parliamentary Question has come as a surprise to most of the frontline workers, who continue to express concern that they were not consulted; if he will now seek the view of frontline custom officers in an attempt to understand their very genuine issues and concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25576/15]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

Decisions in relation to Revenue uniforms, branding and logo, and discussions with staff in relation to those decisions, are matters for the Revenue Commissioners.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the decision taken in 2010 to adopt a new logo was reinforced on 30 April 2014 by a communication to all staff setting out how the new logo was to be used on all signage, uniforms and vehicles in the course of normal replacement of those items. The views of staff were canvassed this year in connection with the particular application of the Commissioner's decision to have badges worn on uniforms.

There are established procedures for staff consultation and negotiations within the civil service. Industrial relations matters concerning civil servants are dealt with through the Civil Service Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme. In this regard, staff concerns about the Revenue uniform have been discussed at the Revenue Departmental Council. I am satisfied that this is the appropriate forum to address such matters.