Richard Bruton
Ceist:249 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence whether six years army service qualifies a person for any pension rights at present; and if he has any proposal to extend some partial pension rights to such persons.
Written Answers. - Army Pensions.
A person leaving the Permanent Defence Force after six years' service is eligible for payment of a gratuity under the Defence Forces (Pensions) Schemes.
A pension is payable under the schemes to an NCO or private on completion of a minimum of 21 years' quallifying service and to an officer after 12 years' qualifying service.
If a person leaves the Permanent Defence Force and subsequently takes up employment with an organisation participating in the transfer of service scheme, his army service may be transferred and reckoned for pension purposes with that organisation.
No changes are envisaged in these arrangements at present, but all aspects of the pensions schemes will be examined in the context of a general review of superannuation arrangements to be undertaken in accordance with the recommendations of the Gleeson Commission.