Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 2 Oct 1997

Vol. 480 No. 8

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Working Time.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

46 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to apply the terms of the European directive on working time to members of the Defence Forces working in non-essential areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15067/97]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Andrews)

The Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 provides for the implementation of a European directive on cerain aspects of the organisation of working time. Section 3 of the Act provides for its non-application to, among others, the Defence Forces and the Garda Síochána.

Under the terms of the Defence Act, military personnel are liable at all times to render military service. Therefore, the application to the Defence Forces of legislation relating to the organisation of working time would be contrary to the principle of military service and would have fundamental organisational and operational implications for the efficiency and effectiveness of the Defence Forces. As there is no area of the permanent Defence Force that is regarded as non-essential its application to "non-essential areas" does not arise.

This position is unequivocally supported by the military authorities. Members of the Defence Forces are given adequate rest periods following or during occasions when long hours of duty may be necessary. In this regard, rest periods and sleep periods are often availed of during periods of extended hours of duty. In addition, the Defence Forces have a very flexible and generous system of leave granting, time-off and "days resting off" which reflects and caters for the uniqueness of military life.

I am satisfied that existing arrangements and conditions relating to time off and monetary compensation take full cognisance of the nature and requirements of military service and that application of the Organisation of Working Time Act to the Defence Forces would not be appropriate.