Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Renua Ireland)
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359. To ask the Minister for Defence the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36049/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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It is the case that Permanent Defence Force (PDF) personnel who undertake courses of training that are paid for by the PDF must sign an undertaking to serve for a specified period of time so that the Defence Forces can accrue a return on the financial investment in the personnel.  Personnel who break this undertaking must refund the cost of the training course and any other expenses incurred by the PDF in respect of this training.  This cost is directly related to the length of time remaining on their service undertaking. This is an important measure in ensuring that the Defence Forces can retain the essential skills required of them in the performance of the full range of tasks assigned to them.

The person in question trained as a Heavy Vehicle Mechanic from March 2004 to March 2008. As part of this training he was required to sign an undertaking of 8 years. He currently owes a total of €25,580.31. This amount comprises €19,235.31 on foot of his signed training undertaking and €6,345 as the cost of his discharge by purchase.

Under the terms of the Defence Forces Pensions Schemes a gratuity is not payable to a soldier who is discharged by purchase. Therefore, the person concerned must pay back the full amount of €25,580.31 before his discharge can be completed.