Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

120. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps he will take to have the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill brought forward for discussion to ensure that the staff representation of the Defence Forces are facilitated in same by having access to the State's industrial relations institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5970/18]

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

The proposed legislation to which the deputy refers arises from recommendations contained in the First Report of the Working Group on Industrial Relations Structures for an Garda Síochána. It is not proposed at this stage to make similar legislative provisions in respect of the Defence Forces.

I have initiated a review of the Conciliation and Arbitration scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. I have appointed Mr. Gerard Barry as an independent chairperson for the review. The chairperson will seek input from civil/military management, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, PDFORRA and RACO. There will also be wider consultation with relevant stakeholders.

While the focus of the review will be primarily on the operation of the Permanent Defence Force C&A scheme, as part of the review consideration will be given as to how the scheme operates, having regard to other redress and dispute resolution processes within the Defence Forces. Broader public sector pay negotiation processes and agreements must also be taken into consideration.

I have directed that the chairperson provide a report to me no later than six months from the start of the review.

It would be premature at this stage to make arrangements for legislative changes concerning Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations in advance of the completion of the report.