Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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631. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will effect the necessary changes to Defence Forces regulations to allow post 1994 and pre-2004 entrants to the Defence Forces extend their service beyond 21 years in order that they may accumulate 21 years pensionable service if their initial 21 years service was broken by a career break, unpaid maternity leave or term time leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2611/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The issue referred to by the Deputy primarily impacts upon female participation and retention in the Defence Forces. I have always taken an active interest in recruitment and retention matters. Under the heading of Gender, the White Paper commits to equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the development of initiatives in this regard.

Officials in my Department are currently considering the matter with a view to ensuring that there is no unnecessary disadvantage to those members of the Defence Forces who were unable to accumulate 21 years pensionable service due to periods of unpaid maternity leave, term time leave and career breaks. I will make the necessary decision upon receipt of such considerations.