Matt Carthy
Question:108. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his proposals to support members of the Defence Forces transition to civilian life upon retirement. [29529/23]
View answerTuesday, 20 June 2023
Questions (108)
Written answers
As a serving member of the Defence Forces approaches retirement, either on age grounds or voluntarily, there are a range of supports made available to them by the Defence Forces.
Transition to Civilian Life courses are conducted by Defence Forces Personnel Support Service teams throughout the year. These courses are aimed at personnel who are retiring on age grounds or who are simply considering a change of career. The course was formally called the "Pre-Retirement" training course. The name was changed acknowledging that personnel are not always retiring when they leave the military.
These courses are of two to three days in duration and are conducted across the organisation. Each serving member is encouraged to undergo a Transition to Civilian Life course at least once during their career and within three years of leaving the Defence Forces. As part of the course, personnel receive advice and guidance on all aspects of retirement. This includes education on 'what to expect' from leaving the Defence Forces, which covers change, relationships, financial matters, health, and time management. Personnel also receive information about how others have dealt successfully with these life changes. The purpose of these courses is to enable personnel to anticipate changes in their own lives and to ease the transition to civilian life.
Additionally, I am informed by the military authorities that the following programmes, conducted by the Education and Training Boards, have been made available to Defence Forces personnel, facilitated by the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service:
• Skills for Work programme;
• Recognition of Prior Learning programme.
Personnel may also avail of assistance from the Personnel Support Service and Occupational Social Workers as may be required. Advice and guidance is available on a confidential one-to-one basis as required from Personnel Support Service teams on all issues related to leaving the Defence Forces, including pensions and finance, health, psychosocial issues and preparation for career change.
Question No. 109 answered with Question No. 72.