Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 4

Written Answers. - Defence Forces.

Seán Power

Question:

13 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself with the interest shown in the voluntary early retirement scheme; when the first retirements will be agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8242/96]

Michael Bell

Question:

19 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence whether the early retirement scheme for the Permanent Defence Forces is open for application; if so, the number by unit who have applied; the criteria which has been set down by his Department and the method of selection by unit commands; whether a means of appeal is included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7605/96]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 19 together.

The voluntary early retirement VER scheme for the Permanent Defence Force was launched on Monday last, 22 April 1996, and applications will be accepted from 29 April 1996. The scheme will close not later than 7 June 1996. The Deputy will appreciate that I am not yet in a position to state the number of applications. I understand that there is a considerable degree of interest in the VER scheme among certain personnel. The terms of the schemes are commensurate with those offered in other areas of the public service, having regard to the unique features of the Defence Forces superannuation arrangements. Taken in the context of the military sphere, where there is an entitlement at a relatively early stage in one's career to a pension and gratuity, I believe that the enhanced benefits will be sufficiently attractive to achieve the objectives of the scheme.

A board has been established to evalauate all applications for VER. In considering these, it will apply the following criteria: skill requirements of the Defence Forces; age of the applicant; organisational requirements of the new Defence Forces structures; continued viability of PDF units; and exit and replacement costs.

The scheme is completely voluntary. Similarly there is no onus on the Defence Forces to offer early retirement to anyone whose retirement is not considered in the best interests of the organisation. However, an appeals mechanism is available for those applicants rejected by the board.

The scheme is flexible in that it caters both for personnel who may wish to leave immediately, and those who wish to stay on and avail of the full range of support services. This decision is at the discretion of the applicant. Exit dates will be notified as soon as possible and will be determined having regard to the applicant's leave entitlements and the degree of pre-retirement support he or she requests.

A comprehensive information booklet giving details on voluntary early retirement has been made available to all PDF personnel eligible for the scheme.