Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that this is complex, but there is an anomaly. It is different from other areas of the public service in that officers are mandatorily retired. At the age of 56, it is more difficult to seek other employment. A small number of people are affected but they are at a disadvantage. In 2012, when the single pension scheme was being negotiated, this did not arise. There was an expectation by the military that this particular arrangement would continue as normal. It was not until afterwards that it realised there was an effect. The superannuation arrangements for new Defence Forces officers who have entered after 2013 are unfit for purpose. They fail to provide a sustainable living benefit until the age of retirement is reached. There is a gap of a substantial number of years during which those affected receive less pay than they otherwise might. It will be very difficult to live on what they will be getting. The officers are being forced to pay a higher contribution.

I appreciate that the Minister of State of the Department of Defence, Deputy Paul Kehoe, will raise the matter with the Minister. The anomaly needs to be addressed. In light of the considerable retention problem faced by the Defence Forces, in respect of which I am sure the Minister of State will brief the Minister further, this matter needs to be addressed. It contributes to members leaving early.

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