Archive for 2016

CLARIFICATION OF MEDICAL EXAMINATION CRITERIA RECOMMENDATION FOR PROMOTION   ‘A’ Administrative Instruction Part 10, Para 344 (e) refers; “have completed an annual medical examination within twelve months of the date on which the Promotion Competition is first advertised.”  “Where application is made by an NCO serving overseas, he/she will be assessed on his/her Overseas Medical […]

PDFORRAs end of year membership density for 2016 has increased to 86% and this represents a 1.5% rise since 2015. Prior to the 2008 crisis, PDFORRA had membership levels around 92% and the trend in recent years has been moving back in that direction. PDFORRA has never had a membership density of less than 83%. […]

Members and Committees have sought clarification regarding the increased exemption thresholds below which the 0% and 10% rates of Pension Related Deduction (PRD) are paid under the Lansdowne Rd Agreement (LRA) for the years 2016 and 2017. The fact that PDFORRA has not agreed to sign up to the LRA but still operates within it […]

In 2007 the Military Authorities confirmed that a responsibility lies with Unit Commanders to manage the careers of suitably qualified NCOs by exposing them to the experience provided by service in a higher acting rank. Accordingly, all suitably qualified NCOs in a unit should be given the opportunity to serve in a higher acting rank. […]

PDFORRA has been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that amended tax certificates have been issued to members of the Defence Forces who submitted their PPS Numbers for the inclusion of the 300 Euro Flat Rate Expense for 2015/2016.   Having spoken with the Revenue Commissioners they confirm that they have undertaken calculations for in excess […]

PDFORRA, the Department of Defence and the Military Authorities have reached agreement on the system and criteria that are to apply to the 2016 -2018 NCO Promotion Competition for Sergeant rank and Higher.  The initial advertisement will be launched in the near future by the relevant Military Authorities following some final minor adjustments.  The main […]

PDFORRA is extremely pleased with the recently announced Government decision to remove the blanket exclusion of members of the Defence Forces from the Provisions of the Working Time Directive. The Association is looking forward to actively engaging with the Department regarding the manner of implementation of the Directive into the work practices of the Defence […]

Significant progress has been made at discussions on the Review of the NCO Promotion System for Sergeant-rank and Higher. Should agreement be reached it will allow the 2016 – 2018 NCO promotion competition to be initiated in the coming weeks. The most significant obstacle to agreement is the divergent positions on the medical classification code […]

With effect from 1st November 2016, all free travel warrants will be subject to tax; PRSI; USC and PRD deductions. The decision is a consequence of the Revenue Commissioners determining that the issue of free travel warrants constitutes a benefit in kind (BIK) and, as such, should be subject to tax; PRSI; USC and PRD […]

Some PDFORRA members have recently received letters in the post, inviting them to register for their Public Services Card.  If you receive such a letter, please don’t ignore it.  You may run into difficulties claiming Family Income Supplement (FIS) payments if you fail to secure your new Public Services Card. The Public Services Card is […]