John Ellis
Question:287 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Defence the number he expects will take the Permanent Defence Force retirement package; and the estimated average gratuity. [3540/96]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Retirement Package.
While I understand that there is a considerable degree of interest in a voluntary early retirement (VER) scheme among personnel of the Permanent Defence Force, it is difficult at this time to predict how many personnel will wish to avail of the scheme. I am confident, however, that it will make a significant contribution to the reduction in strength of 1,300 personnel which was decided last year by the Government. The terms of the scheme have yet to be finalised.