Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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27. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to publish the review of the conciliation and arbitration scheme report; his further plans to implement the findings of the report; the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40825/18]

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.

The scheme, since its inception in the early 1990’s has provided the framework to progress many successful negotiated agreements between Defence management, PDFORRA and RACO. In light of the many changes in the industrial relations landscape since the establishment of the scheme earlier this year I announced a fundamental review of the scheme, to ensure that it remained efficient and effective for all parties.

I appointed Mr. Gerard Barry to carry out a review of the scheme. I received Mr. Barry's report on the review of the scheme last week. The report has been sent to all parties to the scheme, that is the Department of Defence, Defence Forces, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, PDFORRA and RACO for their consideration. The report was published for general viewing on the Department of Defence website www.defence.ie on 2 October 2018.

All parties to the scheme are now considering the findings and recommendations outlined in the Report and, following an appropriate timeframe, the parties will engage in further discussions. A timeframe to finalise a revised Scheme has not been agreed as yet.