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Defence Forces

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2021

Tuesday, 29 June 2021

Questions (20)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

20. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on any recent engagement with representative organisations from the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34514/21]

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Written answers

The Defence (Amendment) Act 1990 and Defence Force Regulations S6 provided for the establishment of representative associations for members of the Permanent Defence Force. The associations that have since been established are RACO (for commissioned officers) and PDFORRA (for enlisted personnel).

The scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) for members of the Permanent Defence Force provides a formal mechanism for the determination of claims and proposals from the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations relating to remuneration and conditions of service.

Officials from my Department continue to work with the Representative Associations in a positive and collaborative process within the C&A Scheme to resolve issues. There is also ongoing engagement on a regular basis between the Official side and the Representative side on a range of items which are processed through C&A.

Since my appointment as Minister for Defence, I have met with the Representative Association for Commissioned Officers (RACO) on three occasions: 17 July 2020, 20 October 2020 and 17 December 2020 and with the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) on four occassions: 17 July 2020, 20 October 2020, 17 December 2020 and most recently on 24th May 2021. I have also met with the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association on one occasion on 23 November 2020.

I look forward to further continued constructive engagement with the Defence Forces Representative Associations and I can assure the Deputy that I, and my Department, will continue to engage with the Representative Associations on all matters that fall within the scope of representation.

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