Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Question 132: To ask the Minister for Defence if the average age of members of the Defence Forces across each rank has fallen or risen over the past ten years; if the trend is the same for commissioned officers, non commissioned officers and private soldiers; his view on whether the average age of officers, particularly commandants and Lieutenant Colonels, should be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8636/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Details on the average ages, by rank, have only been maintained on an annualised basis since 2001. The following table details this for Officers and Enlisted Personnel:

It can be seen from these figures that since 2001, there is a small decrease in the average age of Lieutenants and Captains and a similar scale increase in the average age of Privates. These ranks together represent approximately 55% of the overall strength of the PDF.

There are no plans to extend the retirement age of officers in the Defence Forces. The 2000 White Paper on Defence and the earlier Defence Force Review Implementation Plan both recommended reduction to retirement ages in an effort to address the age profile and fitness of the Defence Forces. The White Paper also envisaged officers attaining senior rank at a younger age.

In addition a key element in military life is the need for personnel to maintain a level of fitness for combat readiness. This requirement must be balanced with the need to retain experience and expertise, particularly at managerial level in the Defence Forces.

I am aware of the recent changes in the retirement age for new recruits to other parts of the public service. I will continue to monitor the operational and other needs of the Defence Forces in this regard and remain mindful of ongoing experiences elsewhere in the public services.