Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 March 2021
52. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if correspondence has taken place between his Department and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces regarding the desire of an organisation (details supplied) for trade union status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12345/21]
View answerIn accordance with the provisions of the Defence Act 1954 as amended, the Defence Forces Representative Associations are currently prohibited from being associated with or affiliated with any trade unions or any other body without the consent of the Minister for Defence.
I am also aware that legal proceedings were initiated last year in relation to this issue. Accordingly, as this is a matter for the Minister of Defence in the first instance and it is now subject to litigation, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
