Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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479. To ask the Minister for Defence if the 21 year rule for Permanent Defence Force personnel enlisted after 1994 will be reviewed; his views that many of those affected by this rule are very anxious to remain in the Defence Forces as they have the required fitness levels and have gained very valuable experience over the years which will continue to be of assistance in their duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41515/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As I have outlined previously to the House, a claim has been received from the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) in relation to this matter and it is being dealt with under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. Discussions have been taking place with the Representative Association, with regards to their claim, under a special Subcommittee of Conciliation Council. As discussions under the Scheme are confidential to the parties involved, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the matter at this time, other than to emphasise that in dealing with this issue the manpower and operational needs of the Defence Forces must be the primary consideration.

I can assure you that in examining this claim from PDFORRA, all pertinent facts have been considered. However, while there was significant progress made in discussions between PDFORRA and Civil and Military Management it was not possible to reach full agreement. As a result, the issue is being referred to third party adjudication for a ruling. It is expected that the adjudication hearing will take place in the next few weeks following the exchange of submissions between the parties and the appointment of an Adjudicator.