I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 125 together.
The Department of Public Expenditure & Reform is responsible for managing the process for the appointment, by Government, of an Adjudicator for all Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) schemes operating across the public service, including the C&A Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force.
The term of the previous Adjudicator ended on 30 June 2021. I am informed that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is actively engaged in a process to progress the appointment of an Adjudicator for all of the C&A Schemes concerned.
Officials in my Department are in regular contact with officials in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in seeking to expedite this matter.
The Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations, along with all other relevant stakeholders, will be consulted regarding the appointment of a new adjudicator.
In the interim, the Arbitration Board for the C&A Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force is available for third party determination of matters that cannot be resolved at Conciliation Council.