Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We all accept the service and importance of what the Defence Forces do and the difficulties that they have to work with at times. That was drawn to our attention by the loss of Seán Rooney and I am aware that the Minister is dealing with the family in that respect at this time.

The Minister has accepted that the compulsory retirement age at 50 does not suit for a considerable number of people and does not make any sense. Interim arrangements have been made in respect of some privates, corporals and sergeants. The only problem is that we are talking about a report, review and an interdepartmental working group, and the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform where sometimes issues, unfortunately, go to die. I am not looking to take a cheap shot here. Will there be a timeline in respect of delivery on this and can more interim arrangements be put in place in the short term?

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