RACO
Encyclopedia
RACO is an acronym for the Representative Association of Commissioned (military) Officers (of Ireland
's Defence Forces). RACO was formally established in 1991 by statute
under the Defence Amendment Act. Defence Forces Regulation S.6 is the Statutory Instrument
that gives effect to the Act and governs, inter alia, the establishment, funding and operation of representative associations in the Defence Forces. The scope of representation of the Association, as set out in DFR S.6 includes the pay and conditions of its members.
The National Executive consists of ten officers; the President who has a casting vote
only, the General Secretary in a non-voting capacity and the elected Chairs of the respective constituencies. These are the 1st Southern Brigade, the 2nd Eastern Brigade, the 4th Western Brigade, the Defence Forces Training Centre (Curragh
), Defence Forces Headquarters, the Air Corps, the Naval Service and USAC [the university training element in Galway
]. Each of these constituencies has 5 elected representatives including the Chair.
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
's Defence Forces). RACO was formally established in 1991 by statute
Statute
A statute is a formal written enactment of a legislative authority that governs a state, city, or county. Typically, statutes command or prohibit something, or declare policy. The word is often used to distinguish law made by legislative bodies from case law, decided by courts, and regulations...
under the Defence Amendment Act. Defence Forces Regulation S.6 is the Statutory Instrument
Statutory Instrument
A Statutory Instrument is the principal form in which delegated or secondary legislation is made in Great Britain.Statutory Instruments are governed by the Statutory Instruments Act 1946. They replaced Statutory Rules and Orders, made under the Rules Publication Act 1893, in 1948.Most delegated...
that gives effect to the Act and governs, inter alia, the establishment, funding and operation of representative associations in the Defence Forces. The scope of representation of the Association, as set out in DFR S.6 includes the pay and conditions of its members.
Structure
The Association has two full time officials the General Secretary and the Deputy General Secretary.The National Executive consists of ten officers; the President who has a casting vote
Casting vote
A casting vote is a vote given to the presiding officer of a council or legislative body to resolve a deadlock and which can be exercised only when such a deadlock exists...
only, the General Secretary in a non-voting capacity and the elected Chairs of the respective constituencies. These are the 1st Southern Brigade, the 2nd Eastern Brigade, the 4th Western Brigade, the Defence Forces Training Centre (Curragh
Curragh
The Curragh is a flat open plain of almost 5,000 acres of common land in County Kildare, Ireland, between Newbridge and Kildare. This area is well-known for Irish horse breeding and training. The Irish National Stud is located on the edge of Kildare town, beside the famous Japanese Gardens. Also...
), Defence Forces Headquarters, the Air Corps, the Naval Service and USAC [the university training element in Galway
Galway
Galway or City of Galway is a city in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It is the sixth largest and the fastest-growing city in Ireland. It is also the third largest city within the Republic and the only city in the Province of Connacht. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it sits on the...
]. Each of these constituencies has 5 elected representatives including the Chair.