Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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294. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures the Defence Forces are taking to ensure the appropriate application of the working time directive; and the consultation that has taken place with the representative associations. [8925/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The implications of the Working Time Directive and its implementation, in respect of the Defence Forces, under the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, have been the subject of an intensive and ongoing review by my Department with a view moving away from the current blanket exemption in respect of Defence Forces activities under the Act and ensuring maximum compliance with the Directive. Following the completion by the Defence Forces of an audit of its activities, and consideration of certain activities that meet the criteria for the exemptions and derogations, my Department is liaising with the Department and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation with a view to implementing appropriate provisions in the amending legislation being brought forward by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. Appropriate consultation with the Defence Forces representative associations, taking account of the outcome of this deliberation and liaison, will form part of the process towards successfully implementing these measures.