Gabrielle McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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25. To ask the Minister for Defence if there have been developments in respect of addressing the 21-year limit; this service limit is causing serious difficulties for many serving members who have mortgage and family commitments and who have the necessary skills and fitness levels to continue to serve beyond the 21-year limit; the first group of compulsory exits scheduled to occur next year. [43093/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As I have previously outlined in 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 do understand the concerns this issue raises for enlisted personnel due to be discharged in terms of their personal circumstances and the impact on their families. 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.