Defence Forces representation and naval payments
Deputy Howlin asked whether Defence Forces representative bodies would get similar WRC and Labour Court access to Garda bodies, and when promised naval service payments would be made. The Tánaiste said no similar legislation was planned for PDFORRA and would ask the Minister of State to contact him about the payment.
The Government is committed to provide Garda representative bodies with access to the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court, as the Tánaiste will recall. Is it intended to provide similar access to PDFORRA and the representatives of the Defence Forces in the legislation?
Can the Tánaiste indicate when the adjudicator's payment of €15 per day, to be paid to the brave sailors on Operation Pontus and that was agreed last November, will actually be paid? The Government was happy to take credit for the great humanitarian work done by our Naval Service. However, it is important that they would be paid the allowance agreed for that work.
Comment on this
Deputy Howlin asked about access to the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court. The Garda associations will meet the working group in the next fortnight to discuss in detail the various issues and the approach. My understanding is that there is no similar legislation planned for PDFORRA or the Defence Forces.
Deputy Howlin asked about the particular issue of the payment of those who have been in the Naval Service. I will ask the Minister of State to contact the Deputy directly.