Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 4

Written Answers - Defence Forces Retirement Dates.

Michael Bell

Question:

230 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence the number of officers in the Permanent Defence Forces, the first line reserve and the FCA and Slua Muirí who are currently serving after the normal date of retirement; the number serving in January 1992, 1993 and 1994; the reasons for this practice; the normal retirement dates for those involved; the corps and commands involved; whether all officers have an entitlement to use this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3743/95]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Coveney)

The normal retirement ages for officers and the number who were retained in service beyond those ages in January each year from 1992 to 1995 are set out in the attached schedule.

Officers who hold professional qualifications and who are filling technical appointments may, subject to certain conditions laid down in Defence Force regulations, be allowed to serve up to a maximum of 65 years of age.

Line officers of the permanent defence force in the ranks of captain, commandant and lieutenant-colonel may, subject to certain conditions laid down in Defence Force regulations, be retained up to the age of 60 years to fill administrative posts. This scheme is at present under review.

SCHEDULE

Normal Retirement Ages for Officers Who May be Retained in Service.

Rank	Permanent Defence Force	First Line Reserve	FCA/Slua Muirí
Colonel/Captain(ns)	60 Years	60 Years	†
Lieutenant-Colonel/Commander	58 Years	58 Years	†
Commandant/Lieutenant-Commander	56 Years	56 Years	57 Years
Captain/Lieutenant(ns)	54 Years	54 Years	55 Years
Lieutenant/Sub-Lieutenant*	*	47 Years	55 Years
Second-Lieutenant/Ensign*	*	47 Years	55 Years

* Not eligible to be retained in Service.

† Officers above the Rank of commandant/Lieutenant Commander do not serve in an Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil or an Slua Muirí.