Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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632. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if there has been a review of the industrial relations process for Defence Forces representative associations, in view of the new arrangements being explored for Garda associations. [15145/17]

Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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633. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has initiated a review of the parallel process and internal sectoral conciliation and arbitration scheme of the Defence Forces, in view of recent Government policy with respect to similar arrangements that were in place for the Garda associations. [15146/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Question Nos. 632 and 633 together.

The Conciliation and Arbitration scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) provides a formal mechanism for their Representative Associations, RACO and PDFORRA, to engage with the Official side. The purpose of the scheme is to provide a means for the determination of claims and proposals from the Associations relating to remuneration and conditions of service.

Since their establishment in 1993, there have been significant developments and improvements in the pay and conditions of military personnel. The Representative Associations have been to the fore in advancing the interests of their members in this regard, bringing them in line generally with the pay and conditions available in other public service employments. Officials from my Department continue to work with the Representative Associations in a positive and collaborative process within the C&A Scheme which points to the effectiveness of the scheme for resolving IR issues. It is open to the Representative Associations to submit claims to the Official side in relation to matters falling within the C&A scheme. Generally claims relate to pay and conditions, award of allowances etc. When submitted, these claims are generally the subject of negotiations and where agreement is not reached it is open to both sides to seek the assistance of an adjudicator to settle the matter.

A number of mechanisms have also been put in place through the Defence Forces Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme which provides the Representative Associations with structures and processes, which enable them to make representations and negotiate on behalf of their members. In addition, a framework exists which facilitates the Associations engaging with the official side in talks parallel to those taking place between ICTU and the official side at National level.

I have received representations from PDFORRA seeking to have access to the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court made available to them, in the event of any future legislative changes being made to provide An Garda Síochána with access to same. My officials are considering this submission in light of the review being undertaken by the Department of Justice and Equality Working Group on access to the Industrial Relations Structures for An Garda Síochána. I will reply to PDFORRA when the outcome of the current considerations in relation to the Garda Síochána is to hand. However, at this point in time I remain satisfied that the current arrangements fully satisfy the requirements in terms of access to appropriate negotiation, conciliation and independent adjudication to address any issues raised by PDFORRA.