asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that under present regulations a private or NCO over 40 years of age cannot be allowed to go on active foreign service; if he proposes to amend these regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Force Regulations.
41.
Personnel for overseas service are selected by the military authorities from lists of volunteers. The question of age and physical fitness is, amongst other criteria, taken into account in making the selections.
The following upper age limits for overseas service in line appointments are normally applied—
|
Privates and Corporals |
40 years of age |
|
Sergeants |
45,, ,, ,, |
|
Company Quartermaster-Sergeants, Company-Sergeants, Battalion |
|
|
Quartermaster-Sergeants, |
|
|
and Sergeants-Major |
50,, ,, ,, |
|
Officers |
50,, ,, ,, |
Personnel of the ranks of private, corporal and sergeant with a high standard of fitness may, however, be assigned to staff and administrative appointments up to the age of 50 years.
The selection of personnel for overseas service is left entirely to the military authorities. There is no interference with them and there should not be.