112. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Defence the timeframe for the appointment of an adjudicator for the Defence Forces conciliation and arbitration scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33123/26]

Thank you Deputy, for raising the matter.

The Conciliation & Arbitration (C&A) Scheme for the Defence Forces is the primary mechanism for addressing industrial relations issues in the Defence sector. In line with the Irish model of industrial relations, it is a voluntary mechanism which provides structures for management and representative Associations to engage on collective issues that may arise. These structures have helped to maintain positive industrial relations in the sector over a number of years.

The Scheme provides for an Arbitration process to assist in the resolution of disputes which remain unresolved following engagement and which become the subject of formal disagreement. The Scheme includes provision for an Adjudicator and an Arbitration Board.

Under the agreed Terms of Reference of the C&A Scheme, the Adjudicator and Arbitration Board appointments are mutually agreed by both sides. While an Arbitration Board is currently in situ, the matter of the appointment of an Adjudicator remains under consideration.

Engagement with the Department of Public expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and the Representative Associations on the appointment continues through the appropriate channels. I want to see this matter progressed to a conclusion that is acceptable to the parties.