Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
90. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress made implementing the Working Time Directive; if agreement has been reached between civilian and military management regarding the scope of duties which will fall within the Directive; and the timeframe in which a heads of Bill will be published. [2733/24]
View answerI wish to assure the Deputy that I remain fully committed to ensuring that the provisions of the Working Time Directive are applied, where appropriate, to members of the Defence Forces. Action 28, of the Strategic Framework, published on 26 September last, stipulated that the civil-military management policy position on the implementation of the Working Time Directive within the Defence Forces would be finalised by the end of December 2023.
I can confirm that management position was submitted to me. I am currently examining the paper in full and will be making a determination on that position in due course.
Significant deliberations have taken place between the PDF Representative Associations and civilian-military management to reach this point and I wish to express my appreciation to all parties for their constructive engagement in the extensive dialogue which has taken place.
The Deputy will be aware, however, the responsibility for developing the legislative framework to remove the blanket exemption for the Defence Forces in the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, lies with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). Upon my determination on the matter, my officials will thereafter commence formal engagement with the Department.
