Andrew Boylan
Ceist:168 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Defence if a retirement package is being put in place for the defence forces; if so, the details of such a package; and when it will come into force. [26024/00]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Retirement Scheme.
It should be emphasised that the existing pension schemes for the Permanent Defence Force are amongst the most generous within the public service. For instance, an enlisted man or non-commissioned officer can retire with an immediate pension and retirement lump sum after some 21 years service, often implying a real potential for retirement from the Permanent Defence Force at about age 40.
Moreover, in the case of commissioned officers, a pension is payable, along with a lump sum after the completion of only 12 years military service. Typically, for example, an officer, such as an army captain or commandant, may retire from the PDF in his or her mid to late thirties and immediately receive a military pension along with a retirement lump sum.
These generous terms were further enhanced by a voluntary early retirement scheme as part of the Defence Forces review implementation plan over the period 1996-8. The third and final phase of the voluntary early retirement scheme concluded in 1998. There are no plans for a further voluntary early retirement scheme.