Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 November 2021
227. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which his Department continues to engage with representative bodies in the Defence Forces with a view to achieving an equitable resolution to outstanding matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56794/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 (comprising officials from the Department of Defence, military management, the Department of Expenditure & Public Reform) and the Representative side on a range of items.
In tandem with the above, since my appointment as Minister for Defence in 2020, I have met with the Representative Association for Commissioned Officers (RACO) on four occasions: 17 July 2020, 20 October 2020, 17 December 2020 and 13 October 2021. I have met with the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) on five occasions: 17 July 2020, 20 October 2020, 17 December 2020, 24 May 2021 and most recently on 13 October 2021.
I look forward to further continued constructive engagement with the Defence Forces Representative Associations and I can assure the Deputy that there will be continued engagement with the Representative Associations on all matters that fall within the scope of representation.
