Defence Forces
Dail Éireann — 2026-05-07
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Helen McEntee (FG), Meath East

While the post of adjudicator under this scheme has been vacant, it has not prevented the continued operation of the scheme. It is important to stress that. We want to make sure someone is appointed as quickly as possible but it has not prevented the operation of the scheme. We have engagement between the official side and the military representative associations. That has continued through the conciliation councils, where appropriate, and through facilitation as well. The Deputy will be aware the revised scheme introduced in April 2024 strengthened the role of the independent chairperson and placed a greater emphasis on early and structured facilitation with the objective of resolving matters before escalating to the adjudication or the arbitration. It is working and it is important it continues to work but I fully agree and appreciate it is important we have someone appointed as soon as possible. I will continue to work with all of those involved to make sure a person everyone can be supportive of is appointed as soon as possible.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-05-07/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-28T05:50:46+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-07