James Lawless
Ceist:31. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on his attendance at the PDFORRA conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22688/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 16 May 2023
Ceisteanna (31)
Freagraí scríofa
I was delighted to be given the opportunity to attend and speak at PDFORRA's Annual Delegate Conference (ADC) on 9 May 2023, in Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim, Co. Meath.
It was a Conference that was tinged with great sadness. I spoke to delegates about the risk that comes with the important service that the Defence Forces provide and how this risk became a tragic reality last December when eight personnel from the 121st Battalion were involved in an incident resulting in the tragic death of Private Seán Rooney and injuries being sustained by three other members of our Defence Forces.
At this conference I had the opportunity to address delegates on a number of key issues facing the Defence Forces, and acknowledged the range of improvements made over the last year with regard to pay and conditions.
I announced the delivery of a Programme for Government commitment and Commission on Defence Forces recommendation on the extension of healthcare provision for enlisted personnel. Agreement has been reached, in principle, to allow all enlisted members of the Defence Forces to benefit from the same access to private secondary health care as officers, thanks to the cooperation and assistance of my colleague Minister Donohoe, and the officials from my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. I informed delegates that details of how this will be implemented are now being considered, with a view to introducing it as soon as possible.
This commitment will be of immense benefit to the ranks represented by PDFORRA, who will be able to avail of referrals to private hospitals and consultants, as deemed clinically necessary by an examining Medical Officer, in line with the treatment for Officers.
I further spoke of the interim arrangement that was secured with the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform, last October, allowing for the retention in service, to the end of 2024, of post 1 January 1994 Sergeants, who would otherwise be retired on age grounds this year and next. In this regard I was pleased to announce that my Department has recently secured sanction to extend this arrangement from Sergeants to Privates and Corporals, until the end of 2024.
In my speech at the PDFORRA ADC, I also referred to the recent Independent Review Group (IRG) report on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces, and issues around recruitment, retention, and mandatory retirement ages.
In conclusion Deputy, I look forward to further continued constructive engagement with the Defence Forces Representative Associations. I will continue to engage with the Representative Associations on all matters that fall within the scope of their representation.