Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I agree with Deputy Deenihan that a number of people will leave and that this must be taken into account in the context of the recruitment campaign. This would give additional flexibility in areas where there are particular needs. I am not in a position to give any advice with regard to the issue of the gratuity. It is one of the great imponderables with regard to the public sector generally that many people who might not consider retirement otherwise see the gratuity issue as a factor. It is impossible to predict how great a factor this is in the military area as much as in any other area.

I would like to be able to establish a means to recruit more women to the Defence Forces and, having recruited them, to retain them for a longer period. Both Department and military personnel have raised this issue with me. It is something we must try to address, particularly in view of the fact that it seems to be addressed more successfully in other countries than has been the case here.

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