Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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316. To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding back pay owed to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39391/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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At the outset I would like to draw the Deputy’s attention to General Routine Order No 43/1955 which prohibits a member of the Defence Forces from making unauthorised communications regarding service matters addressed to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas. Service matters include an individual’s pay, promotion, appointment, etc. In the normal course, it would be inappropriate for me to answer a question where there is a contravention of the relevant General Routine Order. However, I understand that the individual in question has now retired from the Defence Forces and, as such, I can advise the Deputy as follows:

A claim has been received from the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO) in relation to this matter and it is being dealt with under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force.

Discussions have been taking place with the Representative Association, with regards to their claim, under a special Subcommittee of Conciliation Council. As discussions under the Scheme are confidential to the parties involved, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the matter at this time, other than to say that the Department is carrying out a full investigation of this claim in association with the Military Authorities. As with all matters taken to the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme, the claim is being dealt with, in as timely a manner, as is possible and should be resolved within the next few weeks.