Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 2

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Representative Associations.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

84 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the meetings, if any, he has had with PDFORRA since its annual convention; the outstanding issues between PDFORRA and his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26829/98]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

Civil and military officials of my Department have met formally with representatives of PDFORRA on seven occasions since the association's annual delegate conference. These meetings are in addition to numerous less formal contacts and telephone conversations.

The Deputy will be aware that agreement has recently been reached with PDFORRA on improved pay arrangements for the ranks of the PDF represented by the association. In return for the improvements in remuneration, the association has agreed to complete the discussions on the rationalisation of the duties attracting the payment of security duty allowance. I am anxious that these discussions be brought to a speedy conclusion.

The recent agreement with PDFORRA also included acceptance by the association of the terms of the Partnership 2000. Aside from its pay element, Partnership 2000 represents a new departure in employer-employee relationships. This is an area which I wish to explore further with the representative associations with a view to arriving at arrangements which meet the needs of both the organisation and the associations' members. Successful organisational change must be based on a partnership approach to change and to problem solving. The objective of the partnership approach is to achieve joint ownership of the process by both official and staff sides.

Building a partnership structure in the Defence Forces will present unique challenges. The joint task of official and staff sides is to build on our existing arrangements such as the conciliation and arbitration scheme and to develop a new partnership forum where a broader range of issues can be addressed. Members of both staff and official sides recently participated in a seminar on partnership which I hope is the start of a new and more open process.