Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Berry for raising this issue, which is primarily a matter for the Department of Defence. I acknowledge what the Commission on the Defence Forces has said on it. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform does not, in principle, have any objection to the affiliation of PDFORRA and RACO to ICTU. I will discuss the issue with the Minister for Defence. I understand the Deputy's point about the next round of public pay talks, the date of which is not confirmed, and that these organisations will want to be part of that process.

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