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RACO

OPINION

SIGNAL

Dear Member,

Since 2015, RACO has continually highlighted the staffing crisis of the Defence Forces. Unsustainable numbers voluntarily exit, and a
“dysfunctional turnover” continues, resulting in a deficit of operational management across all formations and services. The Defence
Forces are failing in efforts to increase numbers of trained personnel, most recently encapsulated by the Irish Times editorial “Defence
Forces - struggling to stand still” (Irish Times, 08 November 17).

Operational capability is inextricably linked to “trained manning levels”. No extent of recruitment can address the human resource
model where the retention of trained specialists is determinedly ignored. The University of Limerick Focus Group 2017 lays bare the sad
realities and perceptions of those who serve in the Defence Forces. The lack of response by management, to this point, is perceived
by members as “burying their head in the sand”.

RACO continues in its efforts to positively influence “retention” through continued negotiations on Terms & Conditions of Service,
submissions to the Public Service Pay Commission and most recent LRA 2 Pay Talks. “However, the proverbial “playing handball
against a haystack” compounded by a 2 division Industrial Relations position disappointingly defines our efforts in 2017. “Side deal
nd
trading”, approved by Government, appear only to be the preserve of those sectors whose employees enjoy the powerful influence of
Trade Union Status and capacity to conduct or threaten industrial action. The results are indisputable.

Military service demands forfeiting normal employee rights-this is accepted. The legitimate expectation is loyalty, where Government
ensures that military personnel are not disadvantaged as a consequence. The UK Government reinforces its loyalty to those who serve
in the Armed Forces by a Military Covenant, enshrined in legislation, which recognises their unique employee status. In this context,
our Delegate Conference noted the failure of the Defence Sector Management to honour its obligations in this regard. In stark contrast
to the UK Government’s approach, members note that management appears to take advantage of the Defence Forces representative
status.

The review of the Defence Forces C&A Scheme will hopefully result in a more balanced industrial relations position that recognises the
unique demands of Military Service. The exclusion of both RACO & PDFORRA from the Review Working Group however questions
Management’s intent in this respect and any possible positive changes for the future. The Minister of State at the Department of
Defence has undertaken to take on board our concerns and to comprehensively address retention and other issues. If this is to amount
to anything more than a meaningless soundbite then the association and its members must see concrete progress in 2018. Our
members deserve no less. For more on the background to these issues, see our article on page 29.

On behalf of the National Executive, may I wish all members, those who serve and support Óglaigh na hÉireann and their families,
Nollaig Shona agus Bhliain Nua Sásta go Léir.

“Is é dílseacht neamhchinnteacht a shainmhínítear linn”

Is mise,

Lt Col Earnán Naughton
RACO General Secretary

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