Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 May 1996

Vol. 466 No. 2

Written Answers. - Defence Forces' Voluntary Early Retirement Scheme.

Michael Bell

Question:

16 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Permanent Defence Force, by rank, who have made an application for early retirement from the 27th Infantry Battalion Aiken Barracks, Dundalk, County Louth, the 27th Infantry Battalion Gormanston Camp and the Air Corps Gormanston Camp, County Meath. [11054/96]

Seán Power

Question:

18 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Defence the number of applicants for the voluntary early retirement scheme; the percentage of these applicants who are medical category C; and when a decision will be made and announced in respect of these applications. [11097/96]

Michael McDowell

Question:

26 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Defence the arrangements, if any, that have been made in respect of a voluntary early retirement scheme in 1997; whether the funds proposed by the implementation plan for this purpose have been approved. [11057/96]

Mary Harney

Question:

28 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Defence the arrangements, if any, that have been made in respect of a voluntary early retirement scheme in 1997; whether the funds proposed by the implementation plan for this purpose have been approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11055/96]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 18, 26 and 28 together.

The opening date for the receipt of applications under this year's voluntary early retirement scheme for the Permanent Defence Force was 29 April 1996. The scheme will close not later than 7 June 1996.

To date a total of 1,049 applications have been received of which about 833 or 79 per cent are in medical grade C.

A total of 38 applications, comprising two officers, 14 non-commissioned officers and 22 privates have been received from members of the 27th Infantry Battalion. Two applications, both NCOs, have been received from members of the Air Corps at Gormanston.

All applications will be evaluated by a VER board and each applicant will be notified of the outcome of his-her application as soon as possible.

It is envisaged that a further VER scheme will be launched in 1997. In accordance with normal practice, a decision on the allocation of the necessary funds for that purpose will be made in the context of the 1997 Estimates.