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

The answer is that there is an ongoing review so we will not determine an outcome until it is concluded. In 2019, agreement was reached with PDFORRA that all privates and corporals recruited post 1994 would be allowed to continue in service to 31 December 2022. I know that is the timeline many people are concerned about now. Alternatively, they could continue until they reach the age of 50, provided these personnel meet relevant criteria, including medical grades and fitness tests during the interim period. This agreement was subsequently extended to include sergeants recruited to the Permanent Defence Force after 1 January 1994 who can also continue in service to the same date, subject to their meeting agreed criteria in the interim period.

This agreement with PDFORRA provides for such personnel to continue in service beyond the timeframe suggested in the adjudication to allow for this review to be completed. The rank of line privates, which had not been specifically recommended for review in the adjudication, is also encompassed with this measure. These measures are in place to allow the review to take place in the extended timeframe and any revised proposals arising from these deliberations will of course be discussed with PDFORRA on completion of the review, which is ongoing.

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