Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
11. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the age limit for the Defence Forces cadetship competition will be increased as recommended by the Public Service Pay Commission and also discussed at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence on 28 November 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9258/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe upper age limits for recruitment in the Permanent Defence Force are determined on the basis that its members are of an age group which is commensurate with the functional requirements of the organisation.
In 2017, the military authorities proposed that the upper age limit for entry to cadetships be reduced from 28 years to 26 years. This has been implemented on a phased basis with advanced notification included in the Terms and Conditions of the 2017 Cadetship Competitions.
The Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) report on recruitment and retention in the Permanent Defence Force was accepted by Government in July 2019. A comprehensive implementation plan entitled "Strengthening our Defence Forces Phase One" was also published by Government. A range of projects are in development. This includes a review of recruitment methods. The output from this project will inform consideration of upper age limits for recruitment to the Defence Forces into the future.
