asked the Minister for Defence why NCOs and men of the Army are permitted to soldier on until they are 60 years of age provided they are fit and recommended whilst officers of the rank of captain, commandant and lieut-colonel have to retire on age grounds when they reach 54, 56 and 58 years, respectively.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Retirement Ages.
46.
The terms of service of officers and men of the Permanent Defence Force are not similar. Officers, other than those appointed for a specified period, may serve until they reach the retiring age prescribed for officers of their particular rank. A man, however, may enlist in the Permanent Defence Force only for a prescribed period not exceeding 12 years. If the period is less he may extend his service beyond 12 years, he may be re-engaged to complete 21 years. After that he may be continued in service by periods of two years to the age of 60 years.
The requirements of service which apply to officers are different from those which apply to men. In the matter of retirement, therefore, the circumstances are not analogous.
What the Minister has given us is a précis of something we already know. Would he agree with me that it appears to be a question of economics rather than fitness that is responsible for the anomaly mentioned in my question?
I would not agree with the Deputy at all.
Would the Minister tell us why it is those anomalies exist?
Are they anomalies? The retiral age for officers of our Army compares favourably with that in any other army.
Are we to take it now that we set our standards by armies in other countries?
The Deputy need not take that for granted at all.
The Minister leaves me no other option.