Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for Defence the discussions he has held with PDFORRA regarding their calls to set retirement at 31 years of service. [17596/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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In 1997 agreement was reached with the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association, PDFORRA, on a new manpower policy for the Defence Forces. This policy, applying to personnel enlisted after 1 January 1994, provided that service for private soldiers would initially be for five years with the option to be extended to a maximum of 12 years. In 2004, PDFORRA submitted a claim under the conciliation and arbitration scheme for a further review of the terms of service applying to personnel enlisting in the Permanent Defence Force after 1 January 1994.

A set of criteria was agreed to provide longer careers for those who enlisted post-1994 while continuing to address the Government's objective of having an appropriate age profile to meet the challenges of modern defence forces.

The criteria require that any person re-engaging after 12 years service must be able to continue to operate at their current level both at home and overseas on an ongoing basis. Re-engagement is subject to the individual soldier meeting specified criteria in regard to physical fitness, medical category, successful completion of military courses of instruction, service overseas and conduct ratings. The maximum service period for these personnel is as follows: enlisted personnel in the rank of corporal and equivalent Naval Service rank may not serve beyond 21 years service; enlisted personnel in the rank of sergeant and equivalent Naval Service rank may be permitted to continue in service up to the age of 50 years and to the age of 56 in all higher ranks.

The Permanent Defence Force like all sections of the public service is subject to a promotion and recruitment moratorium. In order to maintain operational effectiveness limited promotion and recruitment has been sanctioned in recent times.

Due to the robust nature of many military operations and their attendant physical training regimes, personnel are exposed to a unique range of challenging environments. In these circumstances it is vital that the age and health profile of personnel be such as to ensure that operational capability and effectiveness are not compromised.

With regard to the specific question raised by the Deputy, a claim has been received from PDFORRA in relation to personnel who enlisted after 1994. In accordance with normal procedures, the association's claim is being dealt with under the conciliation and arbitration scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. As discussions under the conciliation and arbitration scheme are confidential to the parties involved it would not be appropriate for me to presume the manner in which these discussions may develop or to comment on any likely outcome.

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Will the Minister report back to the House when the discussions are completed and indicate whether an agreement has been reached on the matter?

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I have no doubt the Deputy will ask me a question to ensure the relevant information comes back to the House. There is a specific issue here, namely, to ensure we maintain Defence Forces which have the operational capability to meet all their obligations and have an age profile which makes this possible. Without saying any more that would in any way disrupt the discussions which will take place, this is an important issue to bear in mind, as is the history of previous negotiations and agreements that were concluded and in which PDFORRA was engaged.

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Fianna Fáil Party agrees with the need to ensure the Defence Forces are fit for purpose. The new criteria appear to be the same as the criteria currently in place. Would it not be in everyone's interest to make this the base criterion rather than applying a rule that is no longer in use?

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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As I stated, discussions will take place and I do not want in any way to prejudice them or impact on their outcome, nor do I want to send out any message in one direction or another. This is an issue of some importance and I appreciate it has been raised by PDFORRA. It is important that I ensure we have an age and operational profile in the Defence Forces which ensures they are fit for purpose and can meet their obligations overseas and at home.