John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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300. To ask the Minister for Defence the progress made in relation to the pay and conditions for contract soldiers; if the term of service will be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9063/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As I have outlined previously, a claim was received from the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) in relation to this matter and was referred to third party adjudication in accordance with the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force.

The adjudication hearing took place on 30 January 2015 and the report of the Adjudicator was issued to all parties to the Scheme on 12 February 2015. In accordance with the Scheme rules there is a procedure to be followed with regard to the publication of the report in that it cannot be published before presentation to Dáil Eireann.

My Department is currently in discussions with PDFORRA and the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform with regard to the findings of the adjudication. This is to ensure that there are no misunderstandings between the parties to the Scheme. Once this process has been completed, a decision will be made in respect of this matter.