Dáil debates

Tuesday, 17 December 2019

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions

Defence Forces Representative Organisations

6:15 pm

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not accept any of the Deputy's comments. As part of the terms of reference of the review of the conciliation and arbitration scheme, I asked the chairman of the review, Mr. Barry, to look at ICTU affiliation for members of the Defence Forces. That arose from a decision in a EUROMIL case. It is incorrect of the Deputy to say I have been ignoring this issue. If she had read a little more and explored this issue, she may have found out about my activity in this area. What I will not do is rush into a decision here. I am giving this matter very careful consideration. I have the advice of military management, which I will take at face value. If there is ever an affiliation, I want to get reassurances that the Defence Forces will still have the capability to carry out their day-to-day duties. They are there to defend the State. That is of paramount concern to me.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.