Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have made it clear I want the working time directive to be introduced. A conciliation arbitration facility is in place in which engagement and discussions with the representative organisations are taking place. That is the forum where these issues will be resolved and they need to be resolved. I will not engage in a megaphone approach to those discussions. They must be resolved in the forum in which they are currently being discussed. I have made it clear since becoming Minister for Defence that this is something I want to see happen. A military management position has been put forward which took some time to be formulated. It is available. Discussions are taking place. We want those discussions to be brought to resolution quickly and I will take decisions on this if the discussions drag on too long. I am clear that I want to see these negotiations brought to a conclusion quickly and for the organisation of working time directive to be implemented.

As regards economic analysis and assessment, there is no evidence of any economic damage in respect of the issues the Deputy identified.

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