Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for outlining his intention to implement that directive. The commission believes it is important in that it would improve retention, well-being and productivity in the Defence Forces. There are derogations in this regard, but these should only be there in exceptional or extraordinary situations. There is concern that many of these exemptions would be too wide-ranging. It is important therefore that any derogations, if they are needed, would be intended for narrow and exceptional situations so that we do not end up with the ridiculous situation like the one we have in the prison in Portlaoise. Prison officers there qualify under the provisions of the Act but Defence Forces' personnel do not. I ask that any exemptions that would be there would be exceptional and extraordinary, as advised by the commission.

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