Written answers

Wednesday, 26 July 2017

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Remuneration

Photo of Lisa ChambersLisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1729. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on the non-payment of Naval Service recruits; the number of persons impacted; the reason for the non-payment; the length of time the recruits went without payment; and the steps he has taken to ensure no repeat in the future. [35252/17]

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department is aware that there were delays in the notification of attestation information required for pay purposes in relation to 29 Naval Service recruits who joined on 29 May 2017. 26 of the 29 recruits were placed on the next available payroll within approximately two weeks of their details being provided to the Department. There were unusual delays experienced in relation to the notification of details of three of the twenty nine recruits due to an issue relating to their previous service in the Reserve Defence Force. One of the recruits was paid on the payroll dated 12 July 2017, while the remaining two recruits will be paid on the payroll dated 26 July 2017. In the case of the three recruits, my Department has issued payments to them outside the payroll system as an interim measure, while they are being processed on the payroll.

My Department has written to the military authorities with a view to ensuring that all required documentation relating to recruits is processed without undue delay.

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1730. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to deal with the conciliation and arbitration issues raised by PDFORRA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35361/17]

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Defence (Amendment) Act 1990 and Defence Force Regulations S6 provided for the establishment of representative associations for members of the Permanent Defence Force. The associations that have since been established are RACO (for commissioned officers) and PDFORRA (for enlisted personnel). A Scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) for members of the Permanent Defence Force was established in 1993 and provides a formal mechanism for the Defence Forces representative associations. 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.

Having regard to commitments made under pay agreements, members of the Permanent Defence Force can make representations in relation to their pay and conditions of service through their representative bodies, PDFORRA and RACO. Where agreement is not reached it is open to both official and representative sides to refer the matter to an adjudicator or an arbitration Board to settle the matter.

Officials from my Department continue to work with the Representative Associations in a positive and collaborative process within the C&A Scheme to resolve issues.

I can advise the Deputy that I plan to initiate a review of the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force, with the review to commence before the end of 2017. The output from the Working Group on Industrial Relations Structures for an Garda Síochána, which has been established by the Department of Justice and Equality, will be considered as part of the review of the arrangements for the Permanent Defence Force.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.