Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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2090. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the timeframe for implementing the agreement reached by PDFORRA and Defence Forces management for the discretionary extension of an additional two years service to the upper service limit of 50 years of age for members of the Defence Forces. [37479/17]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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2091. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to change the upper service limit of 50 years of age for privates and corporals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37480/17]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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2094. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the timeframe for the implementation of the agreement that was reached in 2015 to allow an extension of the upper service limit of 50 years of age for chefs serving in the Defence Forces; and when similar arrangements will be put in place for other members of the Defence Forces presently forced to retire after 21 years service. [37483/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 2090, 2091 and 2094 together.

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 1990s 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 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, arose for 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 regulatory changes in respect of the terms of service for Enlisted Personnel.