Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I stated in reply to Deputy Chambers, I want to sort this out as soon as possible. I hope the Deputy will accept that the nature of the duties of military life in general bring demands that are typical of other security and emergency services like An Garda Síochána. I said as much in my original reply.

The directive allows for derogations and compensatory rest. As I indicated to Deputy Chambers, the Defence Forces and military management have undertaken significant work in examining the nature of the duties of the Defence Forces and how the Working Time directive can be applied to its members. On foot of that, I have directed my officials to sit down with both representative associations to ensure they are fully on board with the discussions. It is in the interests of all parties, including the representative associations, the Department and military management, to bring this to a conclusion as soon as possible. We have an issue and I want it dealt with and brought to a conclusion.

See this speech in context