Vol. 396 No. 8
15 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider establishing a comprehensive resettlement and pre-retirement course for long-serving members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
A comprehensive pre-retirement course is conducted each year in the Eastern Command and each alternate year in the other Commands.
The question deals with both pre-retirement and resettlement and specifically with the problem of long-serving men who live in barracks — I am not too sure if it applies to women — and are in need of something more than another year on and off. I understand from the Minister's reply that the Eastern Command benefit from a course once a year but the other Commands once every other year. I urge the Minister to look at this whole area as it is an issue of concern that there are not adequate conditions there for the Defence Forces particularly those long serving.
I was asked to have a look at it. To put the matter into perspective and put in some supplementary information, just 10 per cent of other ranks personnel are over 40 years of age. That puts it into perspective as to the need for these courses. I will query from them as to whether it is adequate.
I put the proposition that, whatever the percentages and I do not think that helps the issue one way or another, even if one member of the Defence Forces at any one time needs aid, assistance and counselling with regard to having spent long years serving, he — or she — should have the fullest of service in recognition of the duties tendered to the State over that long number of years.
Yes, it is flexible. The courses are on the basis I have talked about, every alternate year and every year in the Eastern Command, but professional advisers are availed of when required at any time. A professional adviser can be made available on an ad hoc basis. I will inquire into it to see whether it is flexible enough to meet the situation mentioned by the Deputy. Two years does not appear to be a long time but if somebody is held back for two years that seems a long time. I am told that in that case if it appears to be an urgent matter, professional advice can be made available outside the normal. I will inquire into it and I will write to the Deputy.
