Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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55. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the work ongoing within his Department on the proposed review of allowances for Defence Forces personnel under the conciliation and arbitration agreement; the timeframe for the review; the purpose of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52921/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The Conciliation and Arbitration scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force provides a formal mechanism for the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations, that is PDFORRA and RACO, to engage with the Official side.

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. 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. Permanent Defence Force personnel have achieved significant benefits down the years through this process.

When appointed as Minister with responsibility for Defence, the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations brought to my attention, the fact that the current Conciliation & Arbitration (C&A) scheme requires a fundamental review so that it can remain fit for purpose for the entire Defence Organisation.

The C&A scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force has been in existence since the early 1990’s and I agree that it is timely to review the scheme. In this regard, I announced my intention previously to review the C&A Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force.

The review will be guided by an independent chairperson, who I will appoint shortly.

In advance of the commencement of the review, I arranged for draft terms of reference to be circulated to PDFORRA and RACO. During the course of recent meetings I had with the Permanent Defence Force representative associations, I requested that they revert to me with their comments on the draft terms of reference, which I would duly consider.

I have received the views of both associations and am considering their suggestions. As the draft terms of reference are not finalised, it would be premature to comment further at this time.