James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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643. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to grant Defence Forces personnel access to the Workplace Relations Commission to raise pay and pension concerns. [29495/17]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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644. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding Labour Court access for Defence Forces personnel. [29496/17]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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646. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the progress which involves the inclusion of Defence Forces' representative associations in line with the work of the Department of Justice and Equality working group regarding access to the industrial relations structures for An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29498/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 643, 644 and 646 together.

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

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 remain satisfied with the present arrangements in place for the Defence Forces. However, I am keeping the matter under review pending the output of the Working Group on Industrial Relations Structures for an Garda Síochána, which has been established by the Department of Justice and Equality.