Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 February 2023
101. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the temporary pause on post 1994 corporals and privates that have reached or are approaching mandatory retirement age for discharge remains in effect or if following any review, has been cancelled [7621/23]
View answerMilitary life places unique demands on individuals and it is necessary that Defence Forces personnel are prepared to meet the challenges of all military operations. For this reason compulsory retirement ages for ranks in the Permanent Defence Force are considerably lower than in other employments.
The age and fitness profile of the Permanent Defence Force was an issue of serious concern during the 1990's and was the subject of severe criticism in a series of external reports such as those compiled by Price Waterhouse Consultants and the Efficiency Audit Group. One of the key areas identified for urgent action was the development of a manpower policy with an emphasis on lowering the age profile of Permanent Defence Force personnel.
A range of policies were introduced to ensure an appropriate age profile and levels of fitness in the Permanent Defence Force. This included fixed term contracts for the ranks of Private and Corporal (and equivalent Naval Service rank), recruited post 1 January 1994, who had a service limit of 21 years.
Arising from an adjudication in 2015, it was agreed that Privates and Corporals in receipt of Technical Pay Grades 3 and above would be allowed to serve until 50 years of age. It was also agreed that a review of contracts of service for Line Corporals and Privates and Corporals in receipt of Technical Pay 1 and 2 would be conducted. It was subsequently agreed with PDFORRA that while this review was being conducted, all Privates and Corporals recruited post 1994, would be allowed to continue in service to 31 December 2022 (or until they reach the age of 50), provided these personnel meet certain criteria during the interim period, including medical grades and fitness tests.
A joint civil/military review of mandatory retirement ages of all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force has been conducted. Included in the recommendations arising from the Review was a recommendation to provide for the continuance in service of Privates and Corporals, recruited post 1 January 1994, up to the age of 50, subject to them meeting certain criteria, including medical and fitness standards.
As current pension arrangements for personnel enlisted to the Permanent Defence Force on or after 1 January 1994, are based on date of entry to the Defence Forces, any proposals to amend the length of service requires Department of Public Expenditure and Reform consideration of the impact on costs and pensions.
In December 2021, the Minister for Defence secured agreement with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform which allowed 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.
Defence Force Regulation (DFR) A10 was subsequently amended to provide the regulatory position for the extended service of Privates and Corporals recruited to the Permanent Defence Force post 1 January 1994, from the previous 21 year service limit to the current arrangement of a mandatory retirement age of 50.
