Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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276. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will review post 1994 contracts whereby those that have not made the rank of sergeant have no choice but to retire after 21 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22264/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Military life places unique physical and psychological demands on individuals and it is necessary that its members be physically and mentally prepared to meet the challenges of all military operations and to undertake their duties on deployment overseas.  To this end, it is vital the age and health profile of personnel be such as to ensure that operational capability and effectiveness are not compromised in any way.

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 Price Waterhouse 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. As a result new terms and conditions were introduced for enlisted personnel enlisting after 1994. Arising from a claim by PDFORRA, a new 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, was felt by Permanent Defence Force members in those ranks in 2015.

A claim was received from PDFORRA for a further review in relation to this matter. That claim was adjudicated on in December 2015. The adjudicator made specific findings on the matter. Officials in my Department are currently analysing the issues arising in relation to the implementation of these findings and will recommend to me any necessary legislative changes in respect of the terms of service for Enlisted Personnel.