Niall Collins (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 31: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will report on his attendance and address to the PDFORRA annual delegate conference and his meeting with PDFORRA on 30 September 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34737/09]

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

Yesterday 7 October 2009, I addressed the Annual Delegate Conference of the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA). I sought to make my address relevant, positive and informative.

I addressed such diverse issues as the current budgetary situation, Defence expenditure and our overseas commitments. I emphasised that the Defence Forces, like all areas of the public service, must contribute towards the current challenges facing the country. I also emphasised that despite the current difficulties, I as Minister for Defence would put the strongest possible case at Government for continued funding and support to ensure that we continue to have a modern Defence Force capable of meeting the needs of Government and the public. The Deputy's interest in my speech is appreciated and the full text can be accessed from the Department of Defence website – www.defence.ie.

At the request of PDFORRA I met with the Association's General Secretary, Deputy General Secretary and President on 30 September last. I was accompanied by the Secretary General and Assistant Secretary of my Department, the Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff (Support). During the course of the meeting a broad range of issues were discussed including the Association's involvement with the 27/7 Frontline Services Alliance.

Under the terms of the Defence (Amendment) Act, 1990 the Defence Force Representative Associations are prohibited from being associated with or affiliated to any trade unions or any other body without the consent of the Minister. The basis for the prohibition is that it would be inappropriate to apply the provision of the Industrial Relations Act 1990 to members of the Defence Forces. The taking of any form of industrial action is felt to be irreconcilable with military service. As has been done in the past, the Defence Forces may be called on to contribute to maintaining vital services in times of industrial action. The potential for serious difficulties could arise in these circumstances if the Association was affiliated to any such body.

The day-to-day work of the Association, on behalf of its members, continues through the formal Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) machinery. A lot of work has been put into the development of representation. The provisions of the C&A scheme were not framed with a view to restricting the Association in any of its legitimate activities. On the contrary, the scheme has served to vindicate and protect the Association's rights over the years and sustain representation in a manner that has met the needs of its members and the modernisation agenda of the Defence Forces.

At the meeting with PDFORRA the legislative provisions surrounding representation in the Defence Forces were outlined to the Association. I am pleased to note that having reflected on the situation, PDFORRA withdrew from the 24/7 Frontline Alliance and will pursue the interests of their members within the scope of the existing agreed procedures.