Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A decision by the European Court of Justice on 12 January 2006 in The Commission of the European Communities v. Kingdom of Spain clarified how the working time directive applies to non-civilian workers within the public service such as armed forces, military police and customs forces. A 2010 report followed from the European Commission dealing with the implementation of the working time directive, and it highlighted the same matters. The Department of Defence and military management continue to work together with a view to implementing the directive. Engagement has commenced with the representative associations and this will continue as appropriate.

As I stated in my reply, legislation is being worked on by my Department and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. This position was taken by the Government some time ago. I have spoken with the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Deputy Regina Doherty, about this and I hope the Deputy accepts that as with all legislation, we must ensure we have it right in the drafting phase.

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