Vol. 494 No. 3
9 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel who have requested voluntary early retirement in areas where there are barracks closures; the number accepted and refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17919/98]
50 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel who have requested voluntary early retirement in areas where there are barracks closures; the number accepted and refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17916/98]
79 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel who have requested voluntary early retirement in areas where there are barracks closures; the number accepted and refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17920/98]
85 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel who have requested voluntary early retirement in areas where there are barracks closures; the number accepted and refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17917/98]
101 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel who have requested voluntary early retirement in areas where there are barracks closures; the number accepted and refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17918/98]
112 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel who have requested voluntary early retirement in areas where there are barracks closures; the number accepted and refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17921/98]
162 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel who have requested voluntary early retirement in areas where there are barracks closures; the number accepted and refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18111/98]
196 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel of the First Cavalry Squadron, formerly based in Fermoy, County Cork, who have opted for voluntary early retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18242/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 50, 79, 85, 101, 112, 162 and 196 together.
Eighty-six personnel based in barracks being closed have applied for the voluntary early retirement scheme. To date 84 have been made an offer under the scheme. Sixty-four have accepted the offer, 16 have refused and replies are awaited from four. Twenty-two of the 86 personnel are from Fermoy, all of whom have been offered voluntary early retirement. Fourteen have accepted the offer, six have refused and replies are awaited from two.
What is the position concerning the individual whom the Minister promised voluntary early retirement when he addressed over 70 personnel in Castleblayney? I have written to him about the case. The Minister accepted full responsibility for the closure of barracks and claimed the individual concerned would be entitled to seek voluntary early retirement.
There are criteria which have to be met before one can qualify for voluntary early retirement. Significant numbers have availed of the scheme. I am familiar with the case to which the Deputy referred and have received representations from the Deputy and his colleagues in the constituency. The individual concerned does not meet the criteria laid down.
The Minister must have known when he addressed personnel in Castleblayney what the criteria were. He told the individual concerned that he would be offered voluntary early retirement. I have been assured by a number of the personnel who were present on the said occasion that what the individual concerned said is correct. Is the Minister saying he made a mistake? If so, what is he prepared to do about it?
I did not give any individual any commitment. I said I was interested in introducing a scheme to facilitate those who wanted to retire from the Defence Forces. There are certain criteria, including age, which have to be met. It is not open to me to change the terms of the scheme in a particular case.
During discussions the Minister indicated there would be flexibility in the operation of the voluntary early retirement scheme. So far as the individuals affected are concerned, this was an indication the Minister would be willing to look at the terms of the scheme in particular cases. I am aware of one individual in Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy — he is 39 years of age and medical grade C — who has been told that he does not qualify. It was his expectation and that of many others the Minister would look sympathetically at cases such as his. I am aware from correspondence I have received from the Minister that there will be an extra 100 places available. As this is a once-off offer, will the Minister interpret the regulations liberally and ensure a degree of flexibility? The individuals concerned should be dealt with humanely.
As the Deputy appreciates, given the substantial costs involved, it was generous to extend the voluntary early retirement scheme, which is attractive, to those affected by barracks closures. I have received representations from a number of Deputies. Without giving any commitments I undertake to examine whether there is scope to assist in the cases to which the Deputies referred. The terms of the scheme are generous and cannot be extended too far. Otherwise, anomalies would be created for others who believe they are in a similar position. I do not want to create a precedent which would cause enormous difficulties for others.
My colleagues have made a strong case and I welcome the Minister's commitment to examine the issue. Will the voluntary early retirement scheme, which is due to end this year, be extended? Is the thrust of the story in The Examiner about the impact of barracks closures on promotional opportunities true?
The voluntary early retirement scheme, which has been in operation for three years, will end this year. When it undertook to introduce the scheme the previous Government was faced by some difficult problems. The scheme is a blunt measure but has produced results. While the numbers in the Defence Forces have been reduced, many areas have not benefited. I have no wish to provide for the extension of the scheme. Some changes may be needed in the future in that area but we will examine that when the time comes. As far as the broader scheme is concerned, however, it is at an end.
I welcome the fact that the Minister is prepared to re-examine the position. I hope that means that the person to whom he made the commitment will be facilitated. In light of the fact that there are fewer than the 100 already mentioned, I ask the Minister to be sympathetic and deal with the matter.
Deputy Crawford is engaging in hearsay and has not advanced the cause in any way by his contribution.
The Minister referred to the VER scheme and reducing the numbers in the Defence Forces but will he confirm that there will be no change in the figure of 11,500 in the forthcoming White Paper? Will he confirm that his Department and the Department of Finance are committed to that figure?
That is the position.
