Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 71: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of formal meetings he has had with the Permanent Defence Forces representative associations, RACO and PDFORRA, respectively, since first being appointed Minister for Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17892/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I had several formal meetings with RACO and PDFORRA since my appointment as Minister for Defence. I have also attended the Delegate Conference of both associations. On taking this appointment I was determined that I would operate an "open door" policy. I wanted, as far as practicable, to be available to the Representative Associations to listen to their concerns and, where possible, to address them speedily. The Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme provides the mechanism for addressing issues, which come within the associations' remit. This scheme provides a range of fora to the Associations, from formal Council and subcommittee meetings to less formal meetings and contacts.