Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 3

Written Answers - Defence Forces Recruitment.

John Perry

Question:

137 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Defence if he will intervene on behalf of a person (details supplied) and have a favourable decision made on his application to the Army in view of the fact that his application was submitted in January 2000 and that he was thirty-second on the list and received notification of an interview which was cancelled two weeks later; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13844/00]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

The upper age limit for enlistment in the Army is not more than 24 years of age on the date of enlistment.

The military authorities advise that, as the individual concerned, was over 24 years of age on 20 April 2000, he is overage for enlistment to the Army. I understand he was duly informed of the position in writing early this month.

As the age criteria are of general application, exceptions cannot be made in individual cases.