Michael Bell
Ceist:155 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence the communication, if any, which took place with PDFORRA before the announcement of barracks closures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18291/98]
Written Answers. - Army Barracks.
The Defence (Amendment) Act, 1990 specifically excludes "matters relating to any operation and to the raising, maintenance, command, constitution, organisation and discipline of the Defence Forces." from the scope of representation. Accordingly, the question of the number and location of Defence Forces barracks does not come within the remit of PDFORRA.
As a matter of courtesy I met with the association on the day on which the decision was taken. Decisions on the implications for the personnel concerned for the implementaton of the decision are ongoing with a view to reaching an early and mutually acceptable resolution.
Noel O'Flynn
Ceist:156 Mr. O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the steps, if any, in place to ensure compensation for the re-location of the personnel, military and civilian, in Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig, and Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy, County Cork; if additional costs incurred by the move will be covered where applicable; and if the disturbance factor will be taken into account as in State and semi-State bodies. [18469/98]
The provisions governing the payment of allowances on change of station for members of the Defence Forces are provided for in Defence Force regulations.
As the Deputy is aware, under the Defence (Amendment) Act 1990, matters relating to pay and allowances come within the scope of representation of the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association, PDFORRA, and may be processed through the conciliation and arbitration scheme for the Permanent Defence Force which was established in agreement with the association. The question of the remuneration of personnel affected by the proposed closure of certain military barracks, including those located at Ballincollig and Fermoy, has been raised by the association. Under the terms of the scheme, as agreed with the association, discussions on such matters are confidential and the Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.
With regard to civilian employees, there are a relatively small number at each of these two locations. In so far as civilian employees affected by barrack closures nationally are concerned, the trade unions have made a number of claims within the context of the joint industrial council for State industrial employees. These claims are the subject of ongoing exchanges between my Department and the trade unions. However, in so far, as the specific matter of "disturbance" payments is concerned, regard must be had to the long standing policy of successsive Governments in this matter, which has precluded the making of such payments.