Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 472: To ask the Minister for Defence his views on a case (details supplied); if he will have the case reviewed; the position regarding the change of information in relation to the upper age limit for recruits on the Defence Forces website since this case was highlighted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34377/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The overall situation in relation to the case of the individual referred to is currently being examined in detail by officials in my Department in consultation with the military authorities. As I am in receipt of a solicitor's letter in the matter it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time. However, a full reply will issue as soon as possible. In relation to the information on the website, the Defence Forces recently introduced a new updated Defence Forces website. I am advised by the military authorities that it appears in converting from the old to the new website, a transcription error occurred regarding the upper age limit to qualify for enlistment in the Permanent Defence Force. In that regard, the website should have stated that "the upper age limit for recruits is less than 25 years of age" as is provided for in Defence Forces regulation DFR A.10. However the words 'less than' were left out of the text on the new website. The website has now been amended to reflect the legal position as set out in DFR A.10.