Hugely important as Ireland 🇮🇪 builds capability and boosts investment in @defenceforces that we continue to support recruitment and enhance the conditions for retention. @SimonHarrisTD @DF_COS @IRLDeptDefence

Watershed moment for Defence Forces over 'gamechanger' deal with extra time off & free flights home from overseas in push for 2000 new troops #WorkingTimeDirective ⁦@defenceforces⁩ ⁦@IRLDeptDefence⁩ ⁦@SimonHarrisTD⁩ ⁦@pdforra⁩

‘Security and defence are now “absolutely central” to the EU and if Ireland tries to avoid participation in those areas, it will inevitably marginalise itself. But plans to play a more active role in the EU’s defence will be met with stiff opposition; they always are.’

‘Secure Our Future’ is a joint Campaign by @DubFireBrigade, @defenceforces, @GardaTraffic and @IrishPrisons representative associations for a fairer pension for members of the frontline uniformed services who joined since 2013.

What additional retention measures are needed to complement the Working Time Directive and make @DefenceForces an employer of choice? Hint: Post 2013 pensions feature strongly, as well as essential financial supports for instructors to drive the recruitment effort! Listen 🎧

‘A happy workforce is an attractive workforce’. The @defenceforces is an attractive career with plenty of opportunity, and will be even more so with the implementation of the Working Time Directive. @IRLDeptDefence

What is the Working Time Directive, and why is it so important for members of the @defenceforces? RACO spoke to @kfmradio recently to explain the many benefits of the Directive for morale, health, safety, recruitment and retention:

“By 2030, we will be more dependent on undersea interconnectors for energy than any other European country. In or out of any military alliance, we need to greatly increase our naval & air defences to protect vital sources of energy & telecomms links.”

With a new Taoiseach appointed, and a new Government in place, here’s what @defenceforces members need from our new Minister for Defence. @IRLDeptDefence @pdforra

RACO General Secretary @ConorKing1980 will be in @kfmradio studio this morning speaking with @EoinBeattyKfm about this watershed moment for the welfare of members of the @defenceforces. Tune in from 0940! 📻

RACO General Secretary @ConorKing1980 will be speaking to Ronan Berry on @Midlands103 radio on what the implementation of the EU Working Time Directive will mean for @defenceforces members. Tune in at 0930! 📻

RT @pdforra: Groups representing military members hail 'historic' move for Defence Forces workplace rights The ca…

Defence Force members to get free return flights home and extra time off for naval patrols and bomb disposal duties in new measures under the Working Time Directive | Irish Independent

Application of EU working time directive to Defence Forces welcomed as ‘watershed moment’ – The Irish Times

RT @rtenews: An EU directive which sets out statutory rights for employees in respect of daily breaks, weekly rest, maximum working times a…

Groups representing military members hail 'historic' move for Defence Forces workplace rights (via @thejournal_ie) ⁦@defenceforces⁩ ⁦@MichealMartinTD⁩ ⁦@IRLDeptDefence⁩ ⁦@pdforra⁩

RACO Statement on the removal of the blanket exemption from the Working Time Directive for the Defence Forces: A game changer for DF morale and a watershed moment in our efforts to boost welfare and retention and make Óglaigh na hÉireann an attractive employer of choice.

Implementation of the Working Time Directive will be transformative, and RACO will continue to advocate strongly with Garda Siochána, Prison and Fire Service partners for changes to the Post 2013 pension, critical for the long term viability of frontline uniformed services. 2/2