Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Jun 1998

Vol. 491 No. 7

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Cadets.

Michael Creed

Question:

37 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Defence the proposals, if any, he has to change the job description for new cadets in the Defence Forces; the status of these proposals; and whether there is agreement on them from the representative associations. [12964/98]

Austin Currie

Question:

53 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Defence the proposals, if any, he has to change the job description for new cadets in the Defence Forces; the status of these proposals; and whether there is agreement on them from the representative associations. [12966/98]

Michael Creed

Question:

58 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Defence the proposals, if any, he has to change the job description for new cadets in the Defence Forces; the status of these proposals; and whether there is agreement on them from the representative associations. [12965/98]

Seymour Crawford

Question:

67 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Defence the proposals, if any, he has to change the job description for new cadets in the Defence Forces; the status of these proposals; and whether there is agreement on them from the representative associations. [12963/98]

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

109 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the proposals, if any, he has to change the job description for new cadets in the Defence Forces; the status of these proposals; and whether there is agreement on them from the representative associations. [13230/98]

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

115 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the proposals, if any, he has to change the job description for new cadets in the Defence Forces; the status of these proposals; and if there is agreement on them from the representative associations. [13175/98]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 53, 58, 67, 109 and 115 together.

There are no proposals to change the job description for new cadets joining the Defence Forces in 1998. The conditions of service of cadets enlisted this year are however under review. The conditions that have been changed are the height requirement for females down to 5' 4" from 5' 5" and some minor amendments to the educational qualifications. The conditions still under review are those relating to the pension entitlements of officers and the service commitment of Air Corps pilot officers. It is proposed that cadets recruited this year will qualify for payment of an immediate pension after 20 years service as opposed to the present 12 years. It is also proposed that cadets recruited this year for the Air Corps should sign a 15 year undertaking instead of a 12 year undertaking.