Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I indicated in my earlier reply I remain satisfied with the present arrangements under the combined mechanism of the conciliation and arbitration scheme and the parallel process in place for the Defence Forces. I have no immediate plans to make any changes. That said, I have acknowledged to the representative associations on foot of representations made to me that I will keep the matter under ongoing review in the light of the recent Government decision to provide the Garda Representative Association, GRA, with access to the State industrial relations institutions.

I am advised that a working group has been established by the Department of Justice and Equality to examine this matter with a view to developing the necessary draft legislative proposals. As I stated to Deputy Lisa Chambers, there will be a representative of the Department of Defence on that working group. My officials will continue to liaise with their colleagues in the Department of Justice and Equality as this matter progresses and will report back to me when the group has completed its deliberations. However, for the avoidance of any doubt, I do not want to appear to be pre-empting any future Government decisions on these matters. I am satisfied that the current structures in place are adequate and fit for their intended purpose.

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