Michael Smith
Ceist:139 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for Defence if he will review the five year contract for recruitment to the Defence Forces; and the number of members he expects to recruit in 1996. [11252/96]
Written Answers. - Recruitment Contract to Defence Forces.
One of the key areas identified for urgent action by the Efficiency Audit Group was the development of a manpower policy with an emphasis on lowering the age profile of Permanent Defence Force personnel. At present the average age of privates is 33 years and of non-commissioned officers is 36 years.
The fixed term contract will allow greater scope for regular intakes of new recruits and thus contribute to a lowering of the age profile of non-commisioned personnel. The Defence Forces need a regular injection of young, fit personnel to maintain their operational effectiveness. In addition, the fixed term contract will provide the opportunity to a much larger number of young people to avail of the valuable training and experience of service in the Defence Forces.
The recruitment of personnel on five year contracts was introduced following consultation with the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Association, PDFORRA. Further consultation on this matter will take place with PDFORRA in the context of the Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan.
The implementation plan which was recently approved by Government provides for an intake of a total of 1,000 recruits over the next three years, including 200 recruits this year. The recruits will be selected by means of an open competition which will be advertised in the public press. I expect to be in a position to make an announcement in that regard shortly.