Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In my view Deputies should not make representations around matters such as transfers and overseas postings. That should be a matter for the command structure, based on merits and so on. There is a perception among members of the Defence Forces that they cannot make any representations to public representatives and there is a huge fear around that. It is important to make it clear, for example, if they are allowed to express their concerns around the impact on their families of travelling significant distances because of the re-arrangement of the brigade structure in the State. Are they allowed to talk collectively about the impact of closures of barracks on their communities and make representations on that? It is important it is clarified what matters are appropriate, and what are not, on which members of the Defence Forces can make representations.

The AGSI, Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, recently won a case in Europe to give it trade union rights. In keeping with this, does the Minister believe PDFORRA could establish the same rights, make direct representations to public representatives and its members could come directly to Deputies on matters such as those of the impact on their families and collective impact on communities?

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