Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 March 2017
19. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to honour the terms and conditions of service of the representative association professional staff under Defence Forces regulation S6 as it relates to their career progression arrangement. [15410/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhere full-time officials of representative associations are serving personnel, there are informal arrangements in place for their advancement in rank in the normal course. These arrangements are predicated on the principle that such personnel should not suffer any adverse or beneficial impacts on their promotion prospects relative to their peer group as a result of their representing the interests of their members while they serve as full-time officials.
I have recently received correspondence from one of the Representative Associations relating to their full-time officials and will respond to them shortly in this regard.
Senior officials from my Department met with RACO representatives in February of this year to discuss the matter with a view to having an agreed resolution implemented as soon as possible.
While I understand no immediate agreement was reached, I am advised that the Department will be in further contact with the Association in the coming weeks with a view to finalising this matter.
