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

To be fair to all concerned, it must be acknowledged that there have been improvements in pay, conditions and various allowances over the last two and a half years. That progress will continue. Unrelenting negativity being articulated all the time by the Defence Forces is not optimal either. There can be room for improvement, but there comes a time when we must affirm and promote the positive dimension of a career in the Defence Forces, as Deputy Fitzpatrick referenced.

I spoke to my officials yesterday about the working time directive. We had a meeting about it internally. Discussions are under way within the subcommittee of the conciliation and arbitration scheme. Within a reasonable timeframe, those discussions will be concluded and a position will be put to me, which I will bring to the Government. I am determined to implement the working time directive in respect of the Defence Forces, which I will do. Department officials are committed to this. The assertions made are not accurate or correct. They are very committed to doing this. Historically, the position was that it never applied. I am committed and we will apply it. By definition, given the work of the Defence Forces more generally, it is not as straightforward as other workplaces, but we can bring it in. We should allow the discussions to take place and follow through on them.

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