Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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56. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which he has had ongoing discussions with the relevant representative bodies in the Defence Forces with a view to identifying and resolving issues of concern; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43979/17]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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224. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the issues raised by the various representative bodies within the Defence Forces are being examined with a view to resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44257/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 224 together.

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 Permanent Defence Force representative associations.

Having regard to commitments made under national pay agreements, members of the Permanent Defence Force can make representations in relation to their pay and conditions of service through their representative bodies.

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 in my Department continue to engage on a regular basis with the Representative Associations in a positive and collaborative process within the C&A Scheme to resolve issues.

I announced my intention previously to review the C&A Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. The review will start by the end of 2017 and will be guided by an independent chairperson. Officials in the Department of Defence are finalising the terms of reference for that review and I hope to be in a position to circulate this document to the Representative Associations shortly.

Earlier this month I attended the PDFORRA Annual Delegate Conference. In addition, I am meeting with officials from the Defence Forces Representative Associations tomorrow.