Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2012
493. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the proposal to provide an early retirement scheme for border troops and FCA members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51382/12]
View answerThe Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is currently considering the introduction of a targeted Voluntary Redundancy Scheme in parts of the Public Service, primarily to address the issue of staff surpluses, where such staff cannot be redeployed within the system. I am not aware of any proposal for the introduction of a separate early retirement scheme or that consideration is being given to same. Given the fact that the Defence Forces are currently below strength and that recruitment is ongoing, there are no plans to introduce a voluntary redundancy or an early retirement scheme for the Defence Forces at this time.
