asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that a member of the Defence Forces, who has served for 12 years, must, if he desires to remain in the service, undertake to serve for a further period of nine years, and, if so, if he will consider having the latter period reduced to two years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Service.
A man of the Permanent Defence Force serving on a 12-year engagement who desires to continue to serve beyond 12 years may, in accordance with Section 64 of the Defence Act, 1954, do so only if he is re-engaged to complete a total continuous period of 21 years' service in the Defence Forces. Under regulations, however, a man serving on a 21-year engagement may be granted his discharge at his own request at any time after 12 years' service.