Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 2

Written Answers - Defence Forces Retirement Scheme.

Phil Hogan

Question:

168 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Defence the number of Permanent Defence Force members who availed of the voluntary early retirement scheme; the type of support services provided to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13539/01]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

The number of Permanent Defence Force personnel who availed of the voluntary early retirement scheme from 1996 to 1998 was 1,509. The following table indicates the number who availed of the voluntary early retirement scheme in each of the three years 1996, 1997 and 1998:

Year	Numbers
1996	500
1997	735
1998	274
Total	1,509

The Defence Forces provided a wide range of support services to personnel availing of the voluntary early retirement scheme. These services covered a broad range of topics and were provided by a team of experts drawn from both within the organisation and external consultants. The services consisted of pre-decision and post-decision counselling, pre-retirement modules, outplacement modules and command/service advisory teams.