Gabrielle McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

324. To ask the Minister for Defence if a satisfactory resolution has been reached in relation to addressing the 21-year limit for certain members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6048/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

By way of background, the unsatisfactory age and fitness profile of the Permanent Defence Force was an issue of serious concern during the 1990’s and was the subject of severe criticism by a series of external reports, mainly PricewaterHouse Consultants and the Efficiency Audit Group (EAG). 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 alleviate the situation, the Government had already decided in 1993 to enlist personnel on a five year contract basis, following consultation with 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 twelve years, subject to meeting standards of medical and physical fitness and conduct. Longer periods of service were envisaged for Non Commissioned Officers.

In 2004 PDFORRA 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. A set of criteria was agreed with PDFORRA to provide longer careers for those who enlisted post 1994 while continuing to address the Government’s objective of having an appropriate age profile to meet the challenges of a modern Defence Forces.

The criteria require that any person re-engaging after 12 years service must be able to continue to operate at their current level both at home and overseas on an ongoing basis. Re-engagement is subject to the individual soldier meeting specified criteria in regard to physical fitness, medical category, successful completion of military courses of instruction, service overseas and conduct ratings.

The maximum service period for these personnel is as follows:

- Enlisted Personnel, up to and including the rank of Corporal (and equivalent Naval Service rank), may not serve beyond 21 years service.

- Enlisted Personnel, in the rank of Sergeant (and equivalent Naval Service rank), may be permitted to continue in service up to the age of fifty years.

- Enlisted Personnel in all higher ranks may serve to the age of fifty-six.

The first effects of the agreement, whereby Privates and Corporals may not serve beyond 21 years, will be felt by Permanent Defence Force members in those ranks this year. A claim has been received from PDFORRA for a further review in relation to this matter. In accordance with normal procedures the Association’s claim is being dealt with under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force, under which discussions are confidential to the parties involved. While there was significant progress made in recent discussions between PDFORRA and Civil and Military Management on this issue, it was not possible to reach full agreement. As a result, an adjudication hearing took place on 30 January 2015, following the exchange of submissions between the parties and the result of same is expected in the near future.In the meantime work is continuing on exit support measures to support those due to be discharged. A number of military courses and other skills courses are already accredited with various third level institutions and professional bodies. In addition, a comprehensive training course to aid transition to civilian life for these personnel, which involves a skills appraisal and review of a person’s service history and training already provided, is currently being piloted.

Gabrielle McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

325. To ask the Minister for Defence the specific roles and positions the 12 new recruits at Custume Barracks in Athlone, County Westmeath have been assigned to since their posting; if and when more recruits will be posted to the barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6049/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In December 2014 a total of 12 Private Soldiers who had completed their initial recruit training in other Defence Forces locations were posted to Units located within Custume Barracks in order to maintain Unit strengths and operational capability. These 12 personnel are currently undergoing further 2 and 3 star training outside of Custume Bks. This training is due to be completed in March 2015 at which time they will report for duties with their parent Units in Custume Barracks. These personnel will fulfil the duties of Private Soldiers and Artillery Gunners. I am advised that at present there is a Recruit Platoon of 30 personnel (increased by 1 since my response to PQ 1308/15 of 14 January 2015) in training in Custume Barracks, Athlone. They are due to complete their initial training in early March this year and will be assigned to Units across the Defence Forces on an as required basis in order to maintain Unit strengths and operational capability. They will also go on to a period of further 2 and 3 star training prior to reporting for duties with their parent Units.