Michael Smith
Question:5 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for Defence when he will introduce a redundancy scheme for the Defence Forces. [6620/95]
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Forces Retirement Package.
As the House will be aware, a fundamental review of the Defence Forces has been undertaken by the Efficiency Audit Group. This wide-ranging examination has identified many issues which need to be addressed so that the effectiveness and efficiency of the Defence Forces can be enhanced. One of these areas which will need early attention is the increasing age profile of military personnel. The Government has yet to consider the recommendations of the Efficiency Audit Group, including the way in which these may impact on personnel policy. At this stage, however, I wish to emphasise that there will be no compulsory redundancies and any retirements which may take place will be on a voluntary basis. Furthermore, the central thrust in dealing with the age profile will be the production of a satisfactory retirement package which will be produced in due course.
Is it likely that the retirement package will be available and on offer by the middle of this year?
It is likely to be available and on offer before the year is out.
Does the Minister have a predetermined number of members of the Defence Forces in mind?
Not at this point.
Can the Minister give an estimate?
The Government has made no decision on the matter. I want to emphasise that if we are to get the numbers right we must have an effective package. That is one of the first matters to which we must attend. I expect that package to be available to members of the Defence Forces later in the year.
Will there be consultation with the representatives of the Defence Forces?
Yes.
Will the Minister agree that the term "Dad's Army" is unfair to the men who have given many years' service to the Army, not just at home but in the UN? The reason this term is used is that there has not been a redundancy package worthy of their service. For example, members of the Garda Síochána would receive, perhaps, six times the amount of redundancy a person with 30 years' service in the Army would receive. Will the Minister agree it is imperative that the position is rectified in as fair a way as possible for all that service?
I have never used the term used by the Deputy though I have heard it mentioned.
I accept that.
It is widely recognised in the Defence Forces, leaving aside any consultants, that the age profile in the Army is high and getting higher. We have to recruit young people and we must provide an outlet and a reasonable package for those who want to get out with dignity. That is what I am aiming to do. Obviously I will have to deal with the Department of Finance. If that package does not succeed we may as well forget the review because that is the central plank.
The Minister said there would be no compulsory redundancies. Will the Minister allow members who in some cases have signed on for 12 years to continue to serve until retirement age? If people who signed on for 12 years are refused permission to sign on for a further nine it is as good as introducing compulsory redundancy. Will the Minister assure the House that will not happen?
I cannot give that assurance. If a person has enlisted in the Defence Forces on the basis of a specific period of service and wishes to have that period extended, the matter would have to be reviewed.
Before moving on to other questions to the Minister for Defence I would remind the House that under Standing Order 36 (3) I must move on to questions to the Minister for the Marine at 3.22 p.m.