Brendan Smith
Ceist:36. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if he has met with the representative organisations from the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24900/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 13 May 2021
Ceisteanna (36)
Freagraí scríofa
The Defence (Amendment) Act 1990 and Defence Force Regulations S6 provided for the establishment of representative associations for members of the Permanent Defence Force. The associations that have since been established are RACO (for commissioned officers) and PDFORRA (for enlisted personnel).
The scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) for members of the Permanent Defence Force provides a formal mechanism for the determination of claims and proposals from the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations relating to remuneration and conditions of service.
Officials from my Department continue to work with the Representative Associations in a positive and collaborative process within the C&A Scheme to resolve issues. There is also ongoing engagement on a regular basis between the Official side and the Representative side on a range of items which are processed through C&A.
Since my appointment as Minister with responsibility for Defence, I have met with the Representative Association for Commissioned Officers (RACO) and the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) on three occasions: 17 July 2020, 20 October 2020 and 17 December 2020. I have also met with the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association on one occasion on 23 November 2020.
I look forward to further continued constructive engagement with the Defence Forces Representative Associations.