Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2021
100. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the efforts that are being made by him and his Department to address the retention of post-94 personnel, some of whom face discharge from the Defences Forces in December 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46606/21]
View answer124. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the status of efforts to resolve the issue of post-94 contracts. [47082/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 124 together.
Military life places unique demands on individuals and it is necessary that Defence Forces personnel are prepared to meet the challenges of all military operations. To this end, it is vital the age and health profile of personnel be such as to ensure that operational capability and effectiveness are not compromised in any way. For this reason compulsory retirement ages for ranks in the Permanent Defence Force are considerably lower than in other employments.
The Public Service Pay Commission in their report on recruitment and retention in the Permanent Defence Force, included in their recommendations, the need to consider options to tackle barriers to extended participation in the Permanent Defence Force, including the possibility of extending retirement ages for members of the Permanent Defence Force.
A review of contracts of service of personnel who enlisted in the Permanent Defence Force after 1 January 1994, is currently being conducted by civil and military staff. The Review is considering appropriate mandatory retirement age limits for Privates, Corporals and Sergeants, as well as senior Non-Commissioned Officers.
The Review is taking into consideration the recommendations from an Adjudication in 2015, arising from a claim PDFORRA made through the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force.
In 2019, agreement was reached with PDFORRA that all Privates and Corporals recruited post 1994, be allowed to continue in service to 31 December 2022, (or until they reach the age of 50), provided these personnel meet certain criteria, including medical grades and fitness tests, during the interim period. This agreement was subsequently extended to include Sergeants recruited to the Permanent Defence Force, post 1st January 1994, who can also continue in service to the same date, subject to their meeting agreed criteria in the interim period.
This agreement with PDFORRA provides for such personnel to continue in service to allow for this review to be completed in an extended timeframe.
A draft report of the review has been submitted to me. There will be consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform prior to discussions with PDFORRA on the recommendations arising from the Report.
