Vol. 525 No. 2
294 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the measures taken to ensure compliance with the Equality Act, 1998; the changes made in Defence Force regulations or procedures; the date made; and the costs arising in this regard. [24295/00]
I am satisfied in general that the existing Defence Force regulations, made pursuant to the Defence Act, 1954, are in compliance with the provisions of the Equality Act, 1998. The representative association PDFORRA has recently raised the question of the arrangements governing the deduction for rations, in that married personnel currently enjoy an exemption from the general application of the deduction referred to.
Rates of allowances, including deductions for rations, come within the scope of representation. The question of the deductions for rations is now being dealt with under the conciliation and arbitration scheme. The terms of the scheme provide that discussions at conciliation and arbitration are confidential to the parties involved. Accordingly, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment in detail on this issue, except to say that I would anticipate that the matter will be finalised at an early date.
