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Dear Member,
Time for reflection as I approach the final weeks of my five years as General Secretary and over 30 years service in Óglaigh na hÉireann
Packing my military kit for return to stores I was reminded of all that is positive, exciting and truly unique about the Irish Defence Forces. In particular, I recalled my fondest memories spent in the company of those who commit to a “life less ordinary” while serving in Óglaigh na hÉireann. Having served with my DF comrades on seven tours of duty in South Lebanon, Liberia, Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Chad, I will sincerely miss, what I honestly believe, is the most exciting and professionally challenging service of the state. Óglaigh na hÉireann is not only symbolic of Ireland’s state sovereignty but is also a tangible manifestation of Ireland’s security architecture while additionally reinforcing Ireland’s global position through its membership and commitment to the United Nations and the European Union.
Disappointingly, in contrast to these proud and positive thoughts is the ongoing stark backdrop which sees a Defence Forces that is struggling to maintain viable trained manning levels. Continual recruitment is failing to address the excessive voluntary exits of trained and experienced professionals. Inadequate pay and unfavourable working conditions continue to force highly trained professionals to take up more favourable employment in both the public and private Sectors. The delay by the Defence Forces in the introduction of protections of the EU Working Time Directive (see article by incoming Gen Sec) is certainly not helping the situation.
Nowhere was this contrast more visible then when on the 19th of September this year, concerned veterans and families of serving members paraded to the House of the Oireachtas seeking respect and loyalty for those who serve in our Defence Forces. Meanwhile, at this time, the Minister of State with responsibility for Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe TD, was in Cathal Brugha Barracks reviewing the personnel of the 58th Infantry Group in advance of its deployment to the Golan Heights with UNDOF. This situation demonstrates on one hand the unquestionable loyalty and professional commitment that continues to form the backbone of military service, but on the other, Government’s ongoing failure to address the clearly recognised issues concerning pay and conditions of service in the Defence Forces.
Government and the Minister for Defence are relying solely on the Public Service Pay Commission to address the clearly recognised recruitment and retention crisis in the Defence Forces. It is alarming to note that the Department of Defence Submission to the Pay Commission currently sits with DPER despite the original timeline indicating that the Pay Commission report on the Defence Forces would be concluded by Q4 2018. The recognised “dysfunctional turnover” of staff continues to increase risk and compromise governance while negatively impacting on the wellbeing of those serving. In the absence of defence sector management initiatives , the Pay Commission has a significant responsibility to make recommendations that will credibly address these significant issues in a timely manner
This is not the only major issue facing RACO, but it is certainly the most pressing. Our members note the recent comments by the Chief of Staff who has recognised how crucial the outcome of the PSPC process will be for the DF and all those who serve. We hope that active engagement by our military management will help in achieving an equitable outcome. Under RACO’s incoming leadership, I am confident that our organisation will continue to lead positive engagement in order to protect and advance our members’ interests and that of Óglaigh na hÉireann.
As General Secretary of RACO, it has been a great privilege for me to represent members of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service.
Finally, I wish to take this opportunity to wish all RACO members and their families a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.
Is mise,
Lieutenant Colonel Earnán Naughton RACO General Secretary
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RACO OPINION
SIGNAL