Kildare South Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon has today (Monday) welcomed confirmation by PDFORRA, the Representative Association for army personnel, that following consultation with their membership that they propose to now enter into the Lansdowne Road Agreement.
“I am aware that discussions have been ongoing between PDFORRA and officials from the Departments of Defence and Public Expenditure and Reform for the past few months on this issue. PDFORRA members have at all times complied with the provisions of the various public service pay agreements but there were technical issues regarding pay and conditions to be sorted out.
“Confirmation of their entry to the Lansdowne Road Agreement is a positive development for the membership of PDFORRA which will ensure that their members can secure the benefits of public service pay increases and the protections which come from participation in the agreement
“Despite the economic crisis our Defence Forces have continued to work to build an efficient and effective military service which is recognized around the world. They have recently expanded their overseas commitments and they continue to meet their essential defence domestic security requirements.
“Working with Minister Paul Keogh we as a Government remain committed to rebuilding and reinvigorating our Defence Forces going forward, and this decision by PDFORRA is an important step in contributing to that process”.