Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The conciliation and arbitration scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force provides a formal mechanism for the Permanent Defence Force representative associations, PDFORRA and RACO, to engage with the official side. Having regard to commitments made under pay agreements, members of the Permanent Defence Force can make representations in relation to their pay and conditions of service through their representative bodies.

Since its inception in the early 1990s, the scheme has provided the framework to progress many successful negotiated agreements between the management of the Defence Forces and PDFORRA and RACO. However, there have been many changes in the industrial relations landscape in the intervening period. I now consider it timely and appropriate to conduct a fundamental review of the scheme to ensure that it remains efficient and effective for all parties. In this regard, I previously announced my intention to initiate a fundamental review of the conciliation and arbitration scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. 

 In advance of initiating the review, I have been considering a number of possible approaches and giving consideration to the terms of reference. I also wanted to ensure that the review would be facilitated by a chairperson who would not only be independent, but would also bring knowledge and expertise to the assignment.  I informed the representative associations earlier this week and I am officially informing the House today of the appointment of the chairperson. I am respecting the House by informing it of the appointment of Mr. Gerard Barry to chair the review before announcing it publically. Mr. Barry has many years of experience in the field of industrial relations, having served as chief executive officer to the health service employers agency and on the board of the Labour Relations Commission. As chair of the review, Mr. Barry will seek input from all parties to the current Permanent Defence Force conciliation and arbitration scheme, including the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, PDFORRA and RACO. The chairperson will meet with all parties collectively and he may, if he deems it appropriate, meet with parties to the review individually. There will also be wider consultation with other stakeholders.

The final report is to reflect the agreed position of all parties at the end of the process. Where agreement cannot be reached, it will be open to the chairperson to make recommendations if he so wishes. I have directed that the chairperson provide a report to me not later than six months after the start of the review.

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