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Defence Forces Personnel

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

Ceisteanna (8)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

8. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to address specific non-pensionable issues such as age extension across the rank spectrum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4148/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) report on recruitment and retention in the Permanent Defence Force was accepted in full by Government in July 2019 and a comprehensive High Level Implementation Plan (HLIP) entitled "Strengthening our Defence Forces Phase One " was also published by Government at that time.

The PSPC report recommended a range of measures that would result in immediate and future benefits for members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) relating to pay and non-pay.

A range of non-pay projects, are currently underway or due to commence shortly. These include a review of recruitment methods, enhanced workforce planning, enhanced professional military education, bespoke leadership training, development of a mental health and wellbeing strategy, a review of barriers to extended participation in the PDF, the development of further non-pay retention measures and consideration of the provision of additional specialist posts in certain areas.

In particular, Project R4 - options to tackle barriers to extended participation in the PDF - includes the possibility of extending retirement ages for members of the PDF. Given the complexities involved, it was decided to approach this project in two phases as follows:

- Phase 1 – Review of Mandatory Retirement Ages (MRAs) for Officers

- Phase 2 - Review Contracts of Service for Enlisted Personnel.

The review of MRAs for officers is currently on-going, with the review of contracts of service for enlisted personnel due to commence later this year.

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