Maeve O'Connell
Ceist:240. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to report on the implementation of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces. [31781/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 12 June 2025
Ceisteanna (240)
Freagraí scríofa
On 20 January 2025, my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Peter Burke TD, signed the European Communities (Organisation of Working Time) (Defence Forces) Regulations 2025 bringing the majority of members of the Defence Forces under the ambit of the Organisation of Working Time Act.
Members of the Defence Forces now enjoy the protections of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, which sets out statutory rights for employees in respect of daily breaks, weekly rest, and maximum working time over a given period and annual leave.
Due to their specific nature, a number of military activities are exempted from the provisions of the Working Time Directive. However, a number of health and safety protections, for those involved in such tasks, have been agreed, including prescribed compensatory rest periods, which are now incorporated into Defence Force Regulation.
I have written to the Chief of Staff outlining the responsibilities of Defence Forces Management on the implementation of all aspects of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 across the entire Defence Forces and ensuring that Commanding Officers are fully aware of their management responsibilities with regard to both activities coming within the scope of the Directive, and for those activities which are exempt.
The Military authorities have advised that numerous briefings have been undertaken across the Defence Forces in addition to the availability of an instructional video. In addition, an instruction document is being finalised by the Chief of Staff providing guidance to Commanders and their personnel on all aspects of the implementation process including, around the Defence Force's non-financial labour budget system, which will be an important management tool in ensuring that the provisions of the Directive are correctly applied.
The Defence Forces are also leading on the development and implementation of a permanent electronic time and attendance system. In the meantime, an interim time and attendance system has been put in place.
I am assured that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the protections of the Working Time Directive are implemented fully on the ground.