Local Fianna Fáil Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Deputy Robert Troy, has welcomed an update from Minister of State Jack Chambers that the work of the Commission on Defence Forces pay and conditions is nearing conclusion with a report expected to be issued in the coming weeks.
“The commission was established in December 2020 and its work has been ongoing since then. The establishment of the commission was a critical part of the Programme For Government and a key commitment locally as this issue affects so many current, and former service people in Westmeath, and their families.
“I have been informed by my party colleague and Minister of State at the Department of Defence Jack Chambers that a report is due next month.
“It is important that all outstanding issues of pay and conditions are dealt with as soon as possible to provide clarity for Defence Forces members and their families. They play such a vital and important role in many ways across the entire country, including throughout the pandemic. I have made submissions to the commission myself in this regard,” Deputy Troy asserted.
The Commission will review matters such as the structure of the Defence Forces, pay and allowances structures, recruitment retention and career progression and the contribution of the Reserve Defence Force. The work of the Commission will inform the future development of the Defence Forces.
Upon completion of the Commission’s work, a permanent pay review body will be established, reflecting the unique nature of military service in the context of the public service.
Concurring with the thoughts of Deputy Troy, Athlone Deputy Mayor, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, stated that he had made a lengthy submission to the Commission on Defence Forces pay and conditions and was eagerly awaiting its publication.
“I am eagerly awaiting the report from the commission. I made a lengthy submission to the commission, a key element of which was to urge the commission to address the poor pay and conditions in a meaningful way.
“Relevant legislation must be changed to allow the Defence Forces engage in collective bargaining, to allow them become a member of a trade union so their concerns can be heard and dealt with in the same manner as every other state employee.
“That for me should be a minimum standard and I hope my recommendation is accepted by the commission,” Cllr O’Rourke commented.
