Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. On the last occasion we dealt with the issue at Question Time I said I hoped to be able to provide a good deal of clarity the next time we met to discuss it. I will bring the Deputy up to date on where the process is at.

While significant progress has been made in recent discussions between the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association, PDFORRA, and civil and military management on the issue, it has not been possible to reach full agreement. That is the stage we were at in the process the last day. As a result, the issue was referred for third party adjudication and a ruling. That adjudication hearing took place on 30 January and the report of the adjudicator was issued to all parties to the scheme on 12 February. In accordance with the scheme rules, there is a procedure to be followed in the publication of the report in that it cannot be published before presentation to Dáil Éireann. As it requires detailed consideration of the findings by me, as Minister, and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this stage. That is the strong advice I have received on the matter.

I was anxious to talk about what was included in that recommendation in my response to questions this morning, but I have been told that I cannot do this because it is a ruling that requires some study. PDFORRA is also examining it in some detail. As soon as I get agreement from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the Government, I will publish the report and make it available to everybody, as well as the decisions that we will have to make on the back of it.

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