Mr. Maurice Quinn:

Up to 2004, the length of service required for receipt of a pension was 12 years for a commissioned officer and 21 for enlisted personnel. Following the changes made in 2004, minimum pension age was 50 years, regardless of rank. If a person retired before the age of 50 years, the preserved benefits came into play at 60 years. We should not forget that there is accelerated accrual after 20 years' service. In a single pension scheme the concept of career average earnings applies to everybody in the public service, but there are some distinct aspects in the Defence Forces.