Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Jun 1992

Vol. 421 No. 8

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Personnel Ages.

Patrick McCartan

Ceist:

30 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the fact that during the past ten years the average age of a sergeant in the Defence Forces has increased from 34 to 40, the average age of a corporal from 30 to 34, the average age of a private from 24 to 30, he has any plans to reduce the age profile of the ranks involved in view of the implications for the Defence Forces of this trend; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Defence (Mr. Wilson)

The increases in the average ages of personnel of the Permanent Defence Forces serving in the ranks mentioned by the Deputy is a reflection of the fact that there has been a significant decline in the past couple of years in the numbers seeking discharge from the force. This has limited the scope for new recruitment which would otherwise have taken place.