Batt O'Keeffe
Question:17 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the concerns, if any, he has with the redundancy package being offered to the Defence Forces when compared with what is being offered to staff within the ESB. [3526/96]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Redundancy Package.
I am satisfied that the terms of the voluntary early retirement scheme are commensurate with those offered in other areas of the public service, when account is taken of the many unique features of the Defence Forces superannuation arrangements and in particular the entitlement to gratuity and pension at ages as young as 29 in the case of officers and 38 years of age in the case of enlisted personnel. I also wish to state that it is my intention to ensure that a comprehensive support service is put in place to facilitate an easy transition to civilian life, whether in future employment or in retirement, for those who wish to avail of the scheme. In the case of those who wish to take up further employment, they will be provided with assistance in identifying and marketing their skills in the labour market and in helping them search for employment if this is what they wish to do.
Comprehensive consultative meetings with the associations will continue to discuss details of the implementation plan and the way it is introduced into the Defence Forces.