Vol. 564 No. 2
60 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence his plans to review the use of 12 year contracts for members of the Defence Forces, having regard to the loss of highly trained, experienced personnel arising from the policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9057/03]
The unsatisfactory age and fitness profile of the Permanent Defence Force was commented on in the report of the Gleeson commission in 1990. The matter had been of serious concern to the military authorities for a number of years. The age profile of the Defence Forces personnel was also the subject of severe criticism by PricewaterhouseCoopers, the consultants who had been engaged by the efficiency audit group to conduct an in-depth study of the Defence Forces. One of the key areas identified for urgent action by the group was the development of a manpower policy with an emphasis on lowering the age profile of Permanent Defence Force personnel. The group's report was accepted by the Government in 1995. In an effort to alleviate the situation, the Government had decided in 1993 to enlist personnel on a five-year contract basis, with a Reserve Defence Force commitment of seven years.
The recruitment of personnel on five-year contracts was introduced following consultation with the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association, PDFORRA. Agreement was reached with PDFORRA in 1997 on a new manpower policy for the Defence Forces. This policy, which applies to personnel enlisted after 1 January 1994, provides that service for private soldiers is initially for five years, with an option of being extended to a maximum of 12 years. Any extension is subject to the individual soldier meeting certain criteria, including standards of medical and physical fitness and conduct. Longer periods of service are envisaged for junior and senior non-commissioned officers. The 1997 policy represents a substantial improvement for personnel who would otherwise have had to leave after five years' service. It continues to address the issues of age profile and fitness levels in the Defence Forces. I am satisfied with these arrangements.
PDFORRA recently submitted a claim, under the conciliation and arbitration scheme, for a further review of the terms of service applying to personnel enlisting in the Permanent Defence Force after 1 January 1994. As discussions on issues raised under the scheme are confidential to the parties concerned, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
Did the Minister's reply mention that the claim made under the conciliation and arbitration scheme is being considered? I understand that PDFORRA made a submission under the scheme. Can the Minister tell the House how many members of the Defence Forces are likely to be discharged in 2006? Does the Minister think it is reasonable to train people for early discharge after 12 years?
It is never easy to make decisions about manpower and putting in place the best system. The basis for the policy change, which resulted in the five-year contract, was that the age profile in the Defence Forces was too high and was out of line with the rest of Europe. The maximum service of 12 years was then negotiated. PDFORRA's submission under the conciliation and arbitration scheme is being considered at present. Some 118 privates who joined the Defence Forces in 1994 are still serving. It is clear that a number of them will be promoted to the rank of corporal before 2006, so it is not possible to say how many will be discharged in that year.
Soldiering is a business for young men and women internationally. Age profile is a tremendously important matter as it affects the fitness of the force. There needs to be a balance, however, as people who are highly trained and dedicated should be able to serve the country as members of the Defence Forces for as long a period as possible.
Will the Minister outline the average age of Defence Forces personnel?
The average age is 31.
