Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Defence the legislation and regulations governing the operation of the system of representation within the Defence Forces; if he has satisfied himself that it is operating satisfactorily; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34738/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Defence (Amendment) Act 1990 and Defence Force Regulations S6 provide for the establishment of representative associations for members of the Permanent Defence Force. Defence Force Regulations S7 provide for representation for members of the Reserve Defence Forces.

A scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration (C & A) for members of the Permanent Defence Force was established in 1993 and provides a formal mechanism for both RACO and PDFORRA to engage with the official side on matters which come within the scope of the scheme. Under the scheme, Conciliation Council meetings are held with each association on alternate months. In addition, a number of sub-committees have also been established and meet on a regular basis.

Both the associations and the official side have put a lot of work into the development of representation over the years. The provisions of the C & A scheme were not framed with a view to restricting RACO or PDFORRA in any of their legitimate activities. On the contrary, the scheme has served to vindicate and protect the associations rights over the years and sustain representation in a manner that has met the needs of their members and the modernisation agenda of the Defence Forces.

Regular meetings are also held with the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association. There is also day to day interaction between all associations and officials of my Department. I am satisfied that the existing arrangements are operating satisfactorily. These arrangements have been a source of benefit both to my Department and to the associations and have contributed to the successful modernisation of the Defence Forces.