Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Defence Forces

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 May 2022

Thursday, 12 May 2022

Ceisteanna (40, 52)

Cathal Berry

Ceist:

40. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence if there has been progress on extending the service of Post-1994 Sergeants to the age of 50 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23790/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Cathal Berry

Ceist:

52. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence when the review on mandatory retirement ages for the Defence Forces personnel will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23793/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 52 together.

A civil/military review of mandatory retirement ages and service limits of all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force has been conducted. The recommendations arising from the review require consideration from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to implications on costs and pensions.

In December 2021, I secured agreement with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, which allows for an extension in service limits for Privates and Corporals, who were recruited to the Permanent Defence Force since 1 January 1994, to remain in service up to 50 years of age, subject to them meeting certain criteria including medical and fitness standards.

Currently, Sergeants recruited to the Permanent Defence Force post 1994 may remain in service up to age 50. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has agreed that there shall be arrangements to facilitate the extension of service limits of Sergeants recruited to the Permanent Defence Force post 1994. Discussions are ongoing between officials in the Department of Defence and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in respect of the nature of the arrangement.

Other recommendations in the review relating to Commissioned Officers and senior Non-Commissioned Officer ranks, are being considered in the forum of an Inter-Departmental Working Group, which the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has established, to consider mandatory retirement ages and service limits for public service groups who have fast accrual pension arrangements.

Question No. 41 answered with Question No. 10.
Barr
Roinn