Dinny McGinley
Ceist:53 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence his views on PDFORRA being affiliated to ICTU; and if the matter is being considered at present. [26081/02]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Personnel.
The position is that under the terms of the Defence (Amendment) Act, 1990 the Defence Force representative associations are prohibited from being associated with or affiliated to any trade unions or any other body without the consent of the Minister. Accordingly PDFORRA cannot be affiliated to ICTU at present. A similar type of prohibition applies to the Garda Síochána representative associations.
I was recently approached by PDFORRA on this matter and I agreed to accept a position paper from the association setting out its thoughts on this issue. I understand this paper is currently in the process of being drawn up and I look forward to studying it. In the meantime, I have an open mind on this matter.