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

Military life places unique demands on individuals and it is necessary that Defence Forces personnel are prepared to meet the challenges of all military operations. To this end, it is vital that the age and health profile of personnel be such to ensure operational capability and effectiveness are not compromised in any way. For this reason, compulsory retirement ages for ranks in the Permanent Defence Force are considerably lower than in other employments.  

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 such as those compiled by PricewaterhouseCoopers consultants and the efficiency audit group. A range of policies were introduced to ensure an appropriate age profile and levels of fitness. This includes fixed-term contracts for enlisted personnel of certain ranks. 

The White Paper on Defence from 2015 says retirement ages and upper service limits, or both, of Defence Forces personnel of all ranks will continue to be kept under review and determined in accordance with key considerations such as manpower policy requirements, operational needs and international best practice.

This matter was also referenced in the Public Service Pay Commission's report on recruitment and retention in the Permanent Defence Force. In its report, the commission included in its recommendations the need to consider options to tackle barriers to extended participation in the Permanent Defence Force, including the possibility of extending retirement ages for members of the Permanent Defence Force. A detailed review of contracts of service for all enlisted ranks of the Permanent Defence Force, which commenced under the White Paper process, was subsequently subsumed and progressed through the high-level implementation plan, Strengthening our Defence Forces. The review, which is being conducted by civil and military staff, has also taken into consideration the recommendations from an adjudication in 2015, arising from a claim PDFORRA made through the conciliation and arbitration scheme.

A draft report of the review in relation to enlisted personnel was submitted to me very recently. The report has outlined various options and includes a number of recommendations. These recommendations will require Department of Public Expenditure and Reform consideration from a costs and pensions perspective. Discussions with PDFORRA on the recommendations will take place on receipt of its consideration. I hope to meet PDFORRA on this in the coming weeks.

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