Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his reply. I note he said earlier to another Deputy that there was engagement on this very issue. He also said he would take decisions if it dragged on, which unfortunately it has. Serving personnel are becoming very frustrated, demoralised and concerned about the significant exemptions being sought by military management and the Department of Defence, as I alluded to earlier. From my engagement with serving and former personnel, there is close to a complete breakdown of trust between serving members and the Department on this issue. As I am sure the Tánaiste is aware, RACO recently cautioned him that while it was right to admit there were no quick fixes for the current problems, for years the Department of Defence has ignored irrefutable evidence of a decline which has become ingrained in the organisation and has avoided implementing the working time directive. That is a serious charge. I am sure RACO does not lay it lightly at the door of the Department. Of course, the Defence Forces are unique and the need for exemptions is reasonable in some instances, but not all. It is reasonable that they have clear assurances. The Tánaiste said he would take action if it dragged on. What actions or decisions is he going to take? Will he put in a timeframe? We need a timeframe.

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