Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important to understand that since 1994 when this was introduced initially there have been two renegotiations of that policy to reduce the overall age profile of members of the Defence Forces. It was extended from five years to 12 years and to 21 years. Now the 21 years is up. The Defence Forces have shown a willingness to be flexible in the past and I think some flexibility will also be shown this time.

However, the overriding objective must be to do what is best for the Defence Forces as a collective to ensure we have an influx of new Defence Forces personnel all the time. We also need to value the experience and training that many of those who have been in the Defence Forces for 20 years have and could still contribute in the future. It is about trying to balance all the considerations, and being fair and respectful to people who have served their country. That is why the process is under way and it is why we have taken our time to get it right. It would not be appropriate for a Minister to wade in before the process has concluded and try to determine what the outcome should be. I will wait for the outcome of the process and then we will finalise decisions.

See this speech in context