Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2022
94. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Defence if there is a review of the contract for Army sergeants who turn 50 years of age and their retention in the armed forces; the plans, if any, to retain these staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52304/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraArising from the recommendations in the report of the Public Service Pay Commission on recruitment and retention in the Permanent Defence Force, a joint civil/military review of barriers to extended participation in the Permanent Defence Force was conducted.
The review considered a number of matters including mandatory retirement ages and contracts of service. The recommendations arising from the review require consideration from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to 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. To compensate for the fact that members of the Defence Force are required to retire at an age which is considerably lower than in other employments, there are arrangements in place for accelerated pension provisions, where pension and gratuity may be payable on retirement at age 50.
Officials in the Department of Defence are currently working closely with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the request for an extension to the mandatory retirement age for the Post 1994 Sergeant cohort. These proposals and their impact on current and future pay and pension arrangements are under consideration and a determination on this particular matter will be made in the coming weeks.
