As the Deputy is aware the scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) provides a formal mechanism for the PDF Representative Associations, RACO and PDFORRA, to engage with the Official side. The purpose of the scheme is to provide a means for the determination of claims and proposals from the Associations relating to remuneration and conditions of service.
The issue of reimbursement for Defence Forces personnel in respect of the mounting of medals is the subject of a claim that was submitted by PDFORRA to the Conciliation Council on 31 August 2016 and is currently on the Council Agenda. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further in the circumstances.