Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for being late to the meeting. It is a difficult issue for any Minister and his or her departmental officials to manage changes in personnel numbers, the costs involved and so on. It might be helpful if we had an opportunity at a future meeting to discuss the overall policy in regard to the obligations that apply to persons entering the Defence Forces in terms to their service of the State and the basis on which they are entitled to withdraw that service. We cannot do much about people who leave the service early but this is an issue that needs to be clarified. It would be useful to have a clear statement of policy in this regard, specifically the period for which people are obliged to serve, the circumstances in which they may withdraw and their obligations to the State.

A role in the Defence Forces is not like an ordinary employee position. We have a responsibility to ensure there are adequate numbers in the Defence Forces such that they are capable of carrying out the duties that must be fulfilled to ensure the security of the State. Any changes can amount to a considerable sum of money, whether it is a plus or a minus, and we need a definite policy in this regard. I may be out of order in raising this point but I would like to know what the obligation is for those joining the Defence Forces, their entitlements and their withdrawal obligations and responsibilities. I am seeking guidance on this matter, either today or by way of a discussion on another day.