I propose to take Questions Nos. 855 and 856 together.
As the Deputy will be aware military life places unique demands on individuals and it is necessary that its members be physically and mentally prepared to meet the challenges of all military operations and to undertake their duties on deployment overseas. To this end, it is vital the age and health profile of personnel be such as to ensure that operational capability and effectiveness are not compromised in any way. A claim was received from Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA), for a further review of the terms of service applying to personnel enlisting in the Permanent Defence Force after 1 January 1994, as the first effects of this agreement, whereby Privates and Corporals may not serve beyond 21 years, would be felt by the Permanent Defence Force members in those ranks in 2015.
As it was not possible to reach full agreement in this matter, an adjudication hearing took place on 30 January 2015. The findings of the Adjudicator's report were noted and the report was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 4 March 2015. The contents of the report have been accepted by PDFORRA and the Department.
My officials are examining the necessary measures to implement the Adjudicators findings.