Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 October 2022
77. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the post-1994 sergeants and petty officers who currently are facing forced discharge from the Defence Forces if their contracts are not addressed as a matter of urgency; when the matter will be brought to a satisfactory conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48889/22]
View answer82. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence the contractual terms and conditions that will be used for sergeants over the age of 50 years who wish to remain in service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49048/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 82 together.
Arising from the recommendations in the report of the Public Service Pay Commission on recruitment and retention in the Permanent Defence Force, a joint civil/military review of barriers to extended participation in the Permanent Defence Force was conducted.
The review considered a number of matters including mandatory retirement ages and contracts of service. The recommendations arising from the review require consideration from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to costs and pensions.
In December 2021, I secured agreement with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, which allows for an extension in service limits for Privates and Corporals, who were recruited to the Permanent Defence Force since 1 January 1994, to remain in service up to 50 years of age, subject to them meeting certain criteria including medical and fitness standards.
Currently, Sergeants recruited to the Permanent Defence Force post 1994 may remain in service up to age 50. The complexity surrounding any extension in service relates to the pension entitlements associated with the mandatory retirement age limits. To compensate for the fact that members of the Defence Force are required to retire at an age which is considerably lower than in other employments, there are arrangements in place for accelerated pension provisions, where pension and gratuity may be payable on retirement at age 50.
There has been extensive discussions on this matter between officials in the Department of Defence and officials in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform who have responsibility for public sector pension policy to establish the arrangements which would allow the Sergeants who are due to retire to serve for a further period.
I am fully aware that the individuals who are due to retire need clarity on the proposals as soon as possible. I am in contact with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on this matter and am determined to reach a conclusion on the matter very shortly.
