Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 6 Dec 2000

Vol. 527 No. 4

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Retirement Scheme.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

66 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to views expressed by the President of PDFORRA at its recent conference that there was a greater need to develop suitable training programmes for serving members to help prepare them for civilian life on retirement; the plans he has in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28707/00]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

The Defence Forces Personnel Support Service runs a comprehensive pre-retirement course for personnel who are due to retire on age grounds from the Defence Forces. The content and issues covered in these courses is kept under review on an ongoing basis, and the reaction to the courses by retiring members is very positive.

The Defence Forces are continuing to develop and run a range of training courses which meet both the needs of the organisation for specialist resources, and provide personnel with valuable recognised skills which may enhance their employment opportunities following service in the Defence Forces.

Question No. 67 taken with Question No. 53.