Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for presenting this morning and for their submission. I will cut straight to the chase. This is the second time we have had the representative body here, and the second time we have heard negative reaction with respect to conciliation and arbitration. Conciliation and arbitration is the lifeblood of representation. Will Mr. King describe what they expect from conciliation and arbitration and what they are getting from conciliation and arbitration ? I am concerned that there appears to be no consultation. This is the second piece of legislation to come before a defence committee where there had been no previous consultation. The last time it was rammed through despite the concerns of this committee. That is something we need to be careful of.

On the issue of suspension, I am aware of a person who was suspended for 25 years and retired from suspension. They were on gardening leave for 25 years. Local leave has been misused in the Defence Forces. I am conscious that the witnesses are anxious to have a proper suspension system in place, but from the reading it appears extremely vague. What is prescribed and what is not prescribed? Will the representational bodies be involved for an officer or enlisted person, who I know the witnesses cannot speak for? Will an officer be provided with an opportunity to have their representation body with him or her when he or she is about to be suspended? Will there be clear instructions as to why he or she is being suspended? As Mr. King pointed out a few minutes ago, will there be an end date or end time?

The witnesses mentioned Defence Forces regulations, DFRs. Most people prior the Ward report castigated the young officer who was sent to court in the Crotty case. I would like somebody to explain what the function of that officer was and who is responsible for the DFRs there.

This is the final question in this first round. We had the oversight body before the previous committee. There is an oversight body looking at changes in the Defence Forces. We have been assured that there would be engagement with the representative bodies. How often have the witnesses met with them? What has the engagement been like? Have some of their concerns been dealt with? I will leave it at that, and the witnesses can choose themselves who will answer.