Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 19 Feb 1997

Vol. 475 No. 2

Written Answers. - Voluntary Early Retirement Scheme.

Michael Bell

Ceist:

131 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel by rank who availed of the voluntary early retirement scheme in 1996; when the next tranche will come on stream; the timescale involved; the criteria under which such applications will be assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4590/97]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

In 1996 a total of 500 personnel availed of the voluntary early retirement scheme. Details of the numbers of personnel in each rank are as follows:

Lieutenant Colonel	3
Commandant	34
Captain	20
Commander	2
Lieutenant Commander	2
Battalion Sergeant Major	3
Warrant Officer	1
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant	6
Company Sergeant	21
Chief Petty Officer	4
Company Quartermaster Sergeant	30
Sergeant	104
Petty Officer	7
Corporal	103
Private	160
Total	500

The 1997 VER scheme was launched on 12 February 1997 and applications will be accepted up to 28 February 1997. Personnel in one or more of the following categories who have at least one year's service are eligible to apply:

Medical category C personnel diagnosed as such prior to 1 January 1997;

enlisted personnel aged 40 and over by 31 December 1997;

officers aged 40 and over by the 31 December 1997;

technical officers of the Ordnance and Engineers Corps and members of the 46th to 53rd Cadet Classes and 3rd Potential Officers Course.

As was the case last year a board will be established to evaluate all applications for VER. The board will be made up of military — commissioned and non-commissioned personnel — Department of Defence personnel and a civilian with experience in this area. The board will evaluate all applications for VER under the following general criteria: the long-term implications for the individual and the Defence Forces of the medical condition which resulted in a grade C rating; skill requirements of the Defence Forces; age of applicant; progression towards geographical and rank convergence with the new Defence Forces structures; continued viability and operational capability of PDF units, and exit and replacement cost of personnel.