Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

It is not appropriate for me to comment on unresolved claims submitted under the conciliation and arbitration scheme. I believe a number of factors motivate members of the Defence Forces regarding the ARW, including the nature of the activities, training and roles of the ARW, as well as personal motivation. We want to see all these matters resolved by agreement with the association. Discussions under the scheme are confidential to the parties involved and it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on that aspect.

I greatly value the role of this elite corps. I have had personal experience of seeing them in operation. They work to a very high standard and are very effective and professional in the work they do. Many different factors motivate people to join up. We are very conscious of the need to maintain those high standards and I will take on board the points made by the Deputy.

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