Defence Forces

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2024

Tuesday, 30 January 2024

Questions (175)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

175. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on the restrictions he intends placing on Defence Forces representative associations; the reason he believes that a Defence Forces representative association or a representative of such association should be prohibited in law from making a public statement or comment concerning a political matter [or question or express an opinion on the merits of any policy] of the Government or a Minister of the Government or on the merits of the objectives of such policy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4043/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

The proposals set out in the General Scheme of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023 to prohibit the Defence Force Representative Associations from making a public statement or comment concerning a political matter is already provided for in Regulation, namely the Defence Force Regulation (DFR) S.6, which states that “No public statement or comment concerning a political matter shall be made by the Association” . This position was also confirmed as part of the terms of the 2022 High Court settlement with the Representative Associations in connection with temporary associate membership of ICTU.

Representative Associations are, however, entitled to comment on the impact that a particular policy is having on its members. Under Defence Forces Regulation DFR S.6, regulation 27 (2), a Representative Association can comment on matters within the scope of representation of the Association as set out in the Third Schedule to these regulations, and the internal affairs of the Association.

It is intended that the Representative Associations will continue to have the right to comment on matters as provided for under existing Regulations.