Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I have already indicated, significant work has been undertaken to examine the nature of the duties of the Defence Forces and how provisions of the working time directive can be applied to its members. This review determined that a high percentage of activities are already compliant with the directive. It is important to recognise that. On foot of engagement with the representative associations through the subcommittee as part of the conciliation and arbitration scheme, compensatory rest is already provided for certain duties. This is also in line with the provisions of the directive. Legislation is required to legally apply the working time directive to the Defence Forces and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has lead responsibility for bringing forth that legislation. My Department will work with that Department in drafting the required legislation. The issues being considered are not straightforward and there is a requirement to ensure that the health and safety of personnel is protected while the Defence Forces retain operational effectiveness. Deliberations between the civil and military management are, however, well advanced and are being informed by recent case law pertaining to military service.

The Department is taking this seriously. There is ongoing dialogue between civil and military management. We will work with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to bring forward the necessary amendments as soon as we can.

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