Page 5 - Signal Winter 2019

members should be commended on their leadership in paving the way for further improvements through the Government’s High Level Implementation Plan, ‘Strengthening our Defence Forces’. Defence Forces personnel have benefited from the restoration of most of the allowances cut under Haddington Road, and the small increase in Military Service Allowance. However, RACO has always said that these measures, while a welcome initial attempt to improve the lot of DF personnel, will not in isolation solve the retention and recruitment issues facing the organisation.
The Taoiseach’s Department has assumed control and oversight over the High Level Implementation Plan to save the Defence Forces, and repeated commitments have been made that the Plan will be adhered to. It was on this basis that RACO signed up to the Pay Commission report, and the Association expects that those who have committed to ‘Strengthening our Defence Forces’ will make every effort to make good on their commitment. Extracts from the Plan are contained within this issue of Signal and describe the 15 projects committed to, and which are at various stages of progress. Some of the projects are significantly behind schedule, and much work will have to be done to ensure that the work done to date by Management and the Representative Associations in making the case for improved conditions of service is not squandered. These include vital projects such as ‘R3’: Incentivised long service arrangements – NCO & Officers – Identify options for implementation by 04 October 2019; ‘R4’: Consider options to tackle barriers to extended participation in the PDF (including the possibility of extending retirement ages for members of the PDF); Commence Implementation of review findings 3-6 months; and ‘A2’: Fully integrate the Workforce Planning process for the PDF with job design and training and development planning. The timelines are clear, as are the potential benefits.
Recently retired Air Corps pilot Commandant Declan Daly, a veteran of over 700 Emergency Aeromedical Service missions, provides us with a fascinating insight into the lifesaving work of the EAS. It is a ‘warts and all’ account of the difficult but rewarding work undertaken by members of No 3 Ops Wing and their paramedic colleagues, go mairidís beo...(That others may live). The focus on the Naval Service and EAS is quite topical given recent events.
We also take a look at the forthcoming Slándáil (National Security Summit Ireland) Conference which will take place in Spring 2020, in the context of a future Commission on Defence.
There is a genuine feeling within the membership that we have reached a ‘point of truth’ regarding the Defence Forces, and that there is a greater awareness than ever among both our Parliamentarians and fellow Citizens of the dedication and also the needless hardship being endured by our people. I firmly believe that we have the solutions within our grasp to solve the Retention Crisis and restore this proud organisation to full health, but only if the Political will exists for the HLIP to deliver on its ambitions. If it is rolled into pay talks then there is a fear, based on bitter experience, that the Defence Forces will be once more at the back of the queue. The clamour for a separate model of pay determination and a Commission on the future of Defence will then inevitably grow ever greater.
The first step to recovery is admitting there is a problem. Finally, after years of warning, it appears that realisation is beginning to dawn. Let’s hope it is not too late.
Finally, I would like to wish all RACO Members, our friends and their families a very Merry Christmas, and a happy and prosperous New Year.
Is mise, These delays are concerning to the Association, as is
the clear intent of Departmental colleagues to fold most
reviews and finished product into negotiations at the
next Public Sector Pay Talks, whenever they may occur.
This may not serve the Defence Forces well. RACO has
made fully costed, feasible and impactful submissions on
Fixed Period Promotion, Specialised Instructor Allowance,
Service Commitment Scheme for SSOs and revised superannuation arrangements for post 2013 new entrants,
leaning on the vast experience and expertise with our membership. It is hoped that Program Management
Office will take on board and propose these submissions
for Government implementation without undue delay. As
we have consistently stated, the success or failure of the Government Plan will be reflected in the strength of the
Conor King
RACO General Secretary
Defence Forces month by month.
This issue of Signal focuses heavily on our Naval Service, and the professionalism, dedication and seamanship skills they display in patrolling Ireland’s territorial waters and representing the State at sea. We focus on the delivery of Maritime Defence and Security Operations, the work of the Naval Diving Section and hear from some recently retired Naval Service members on their careers and thoughts on today’s Navy.
| WINTER ‘19 | | 5