Defence Forces Personnel Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 April 2017

Wednesday, 12 April 2017

Questions (383)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

383. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of former members of the Defence Forces that have joined foreign military services on completion of service here either after resigning their commission or before completing their contract; the military services involved; if there are restrictions on former members of the Defence Forces joining other military services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18566/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I am informed by the military authorities that they do not collate information on ex-Defence Forces personnel. However, there are no restrictions on former members of the Defence Forces joining other military services.

It should be noted that terms of enlistment for enlisted personnel, post 1994, are for five years in the Permanent Defence Force and 7 years in the Reserve Defence Force. Section 241 of the Defence Act prohibits members of the Reserve Defence Force from joining the armed forces of another state. However, should a member of the Permanent Defence Force discharge by purchase prior to the completion of their contract, they would no longer have a commitment to Reserve service and therefore would no longer be considered a member of the Defence Forces.