Vol. 523 No. 1
346 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Defence if persons who joined the Permanent Defence Force, served a 21 year period and retire on pension were assured upon enlistment that they would receive upon retirement, their pen sion due, together with whatever medical treatment they required from then on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20068/00]
The position is that enlisted personnel who retire from the PDF, having completed 21 years service, are entitled to an appropriate military pension from the Department of Defence. There has never been an entitlement to the continued provision of medical treatment by the Defence Forces to such retirees subsequent to their discharge.
Retired former enlisted personnel have an entitlement as individuals to the normal range of public health services available under the Health Acts. They may also, of course, choose to avail of private health insurance if they so wish.
