Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is comparing the Defence Forces to An Garda Síochána. A case was brought on behalf of An Garda Síochána to the European Committee on Social Rights about restrictions on access to pay negotiations. The committee, as part of its findings, decided that the right to strike prohibition was in breach of the charter. That situation is not directly comparable to our military industrial relations mechanisms for fundamental reasons. The restriction of strike action in the military service not only safeguards any emergency requirements of the State should they arise but also protect the military chain of command and control, without which the military could not function.

I am happy that the working group has been set up. A member of the Department of Defence will take part in that group. The situation will be reviewed when the working group concludes its work.

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