Helen Keogh
Question:25 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Defence the proposals, if any, he has to introduce a leave of absence scheme into the Defence Forces as recommended by the Gleeson Commission (details supplied).
Written Answers. - Defence Forces' Leave of Absence Scheme.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:30 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence when he intends to introduce new conditions for career breaks for the non-commissioned ranks of the Permanent Defence Force.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 30 together.
Applications by military personnel from time to time for special leave, for example for domestic or educational reasons, for service with voluntary aid organisations or the United Nations Field Service, have been granted on an exceptional basis.
The Gleeson Commission, which examined conditions of service in the Defence Forces, took the view that essentially a career break scheme would be incompatible with fixed-term engagements in the case of non-commissioned personnel and would also be inappropriate for officers in the context of their current superannuation arrangements under which pensions may be payable after only 12 years' service. However, the feasibility of introducing a career break scheme subject to certain restrictions relevant to service in the Permanent Defence Force is being examined. Any proposals brought forward in the matter will be the subject of discussion with the representative associations at the Conciliation Council for the Permanent Defence Force.