Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

66. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on the engagements he has had with an association (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39925/18]

Paul 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).

The scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) for members of the Permanent Defence Force provides a formal mechanism for the determination of claims and proposals from the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations relating to remuneration and conditions of service.

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. There is also ongoing engagement on a regular basis between the Official side and the Representative side on a range of items which are processed through C&A.

I have met with representatives from PDFORRA on a number of occasions. My most recent meeting with members of the National Executive took place on 12 September 2018, where we discussed a number of matters which PDFORRA have in the Conciliation and Arbitration process. As matters dealt with under the C&A Scheme are confidential in nature it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.

I will be attending the PDFORRA Annual Delegate Conference in Breaffy House, Castlebar, Co. Mayo later today, where I look forward to meeting the delegates.