Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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In terms of giving personnel an opportunity to take career breaks, as the Deputy well knows a large number of people in the Defence Forces avail of career breaks. It affords them an opportunity to experience the civilian world and gain expertise. Anyone who wishes to take a career break must apply for the leave. I do not have the figure for the number of people who are granted or refused a career break but I can assure the Deputy that we give them every opportunity to avail of a career break. At the same time we must retain expertise and we cannot allow five people to leave a section at the same time. Every application is considered on a case-by-case basis. Around 60 people are on career break at the moment.

In terms of the criteria for the change of station allowance, I was not aware that the documentation had been changed. Criteria must be put in place and an applicant must be able to prove where he or she is living. I was unaware that a PRTB number was required but criteria must be stipulated. Brigade changes have been made in the past while, so a lot more people have applied for the allowance. Criteria had to be put in place in order to ensure the scheme is not abused.