Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 381: To ask the Minister for Defence the discussions he has had with PDFORA regarding the extension of a private's contract beyond 12 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16316/05]

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 382: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans to extend the contract for a private in the Defence Forces beyond the current 12 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16317/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 381 and 382 together.

The unsatisfactory age and fitness profile of the Permanent Defence Force was commented upon by the Gleeson Commission in its report in 1990. The matter had also been of serious concern to the military authorities for a number of years. The age profile was also the subject of severe criticism by PricewaterhouseCoopers consultants, who had been engaged by the Efficiency Audit Group, EAG, to conduct an in-depth study of the Defence Forces. One of the key areas identified for urgent action by the EAG was the development of a manpower policy with an emphasis on lowering the age profile of Permanent Defence Force personnel. The EAG's report was accepted by Government in 1995.

In an effort to ameliorate the situation, the Government had decided, in 1993, to enlist personnel on a five-year contract basis with a reserve force commitment of seven years. The recruitment of personnel on five-year contracts was introduced following consultation with the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association, PDFORRA.

In 1997 agreement was reached with 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. An extension was subject to the individual soldier meeting certain criteria to include standards of medical and physical fitness and conduct. Longer periods of service were envisaged for junior and senior non-commissioned officers. The new policy represented the possibility of a substantial extension for personnel who would otherwise have had to leave after five years service while continuing to address the issues of age profile and fitness levels in the Defence Forces.

PDFORRA has 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. As discussions on issues raised under the scheme are confidential to the parties concerned, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate to comment further other than to emphasise that in dealing with this issue the manpower and operational needs of the Defence Forces must be the primary consideration.