asked the Minister for Defence the rights serving members of the Permanent Defence Forces have to make representations to their public representatives locally and nationally.
Written Answers . - Permanent Defence Forces' Rights .
648.
: Members of the Defence Forces may make representations to their public representatives in connection with any matters, other than service matters, such as income tax, home telephone service, local authority housing or entitlement to benefits and services under the Social Welfare Acts and Health Acts.
General routine orders provide that communications or requests from members of the Defence Forces in connection with service matters addressed to public representatives are expressly forbidden. The expression "service matters" includes postings, transfers, promotion, overseas service and other matters connected with service in the Defence Forces.
The official channels for the processing of complaints or grievances relating to service matters are provided in the Defence Acts and regulations made thereunder.