Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will appreciate, military life places unique physical and psychological demands on individuals and it is necessary that Defence Forces personnel are physically and mentally prepared to meet the challenges of all military operations and to undertake their duties on deployment overseas.  To this end, it is vital that the age and health profile of personnel be such as to ensure that operational capability and effectiveness are not compromised in any way.

The age and fitness profile of the Permanent Defence Force was an issue of serious concern during the 1990s and was the subject of severe criticism in a series of external reports, primarily those of the then Price Waterhouse consultants and the efficiency audit group. One of the key areas identified for urgent action by the audit group was the development of a manpower policy with an emphasis on lowering the age profile of Permanent Defence Force personnel. As a result, new terms and conditions were introduced for enlisted personnel enlisting after 1994. Post-January 1994, soldiers have different upper service limits or age limits depending on rank at discharge date and whether they are in a line or technician class. Their pensions and gratuities are payable immediately on discharge after relatively short periods of service and regardless of age. Their minimum qualifying service is 21 years for immediate pension and gratuity.

A claim was received from PDFORRA for a further review in relation to this matter and adjudicated on in December 2015. The adjudicator made specific findings on the matter. Officials in my Department are currently analysing the issues arising in relation to the implementation of these findings and will recommend to me any necessary legislative changes in respect of the terms of service of enlisted personnel. In terms of remuneration and pension provisions going forward, the new Public Service Pay Commission published its report on 9 May 2017 and the Government intends to initiate negotiations on a successor to the Lansdowne Road agreement ahead of budget 2018. Future remuneration of Defence Forces personnel will be dealt with within this process.

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