David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 207: To ask the Minister for Defence , further to Parliamentary Question No. 214 of 3 March 2005, the number of meetings that have taken place with the representative associations on the induction of officers to the Permanent Defence Force; the dates of these meetings with the organisations and bodies represented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8509/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In accordance with the criteria set out under the Defence Forces conciliation and arbitration scheme there are regular discussions with the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, RACO, on the induction of officers including direct entry officers in the Permanent Defence Force. These discussions are normally undertaken at a sub-committee of the conciliation council.

Under the modernisation agenda agreed under the Sustaining Progress agreement, discussions have been ongoing with RACO since March 2004 on an integrated officer induction and initial training system. A total of 15 meetings at sub-committee level have taken place on this subject since March 2004. The dates of these meetings are set out in the table.

While PDFORRA has no direct role in induction of officers into the Defence Forces, the Department has written to that association seeking its views on aspects of induction as it relates to commissioning from the ranks.

As the discussions on induction are confidential to the parties involved, it would not be appropriate to comment in detail on the matter. However, I can confirm my intention to hold competitions for commissioning of enlisted personnel as soon as agreement on the basis of such a scheme is agreed with and between the associations.