Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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112. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the impact on recruitment if Defence Forces personnel were granted the option of doing an extra four years service upon completion of their 21 year contract as was the case prior to 1997; if quotas were required to give effect to this option prior to 1997; the number of persons that chose to avail of this option; if savings accrued as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8269/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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In the 1990s, there was concern as to the unsatisfactory age and fitness profile of the Permanent Defence Force. Current contract arrangements for enlisted personnel are designed to prevent a recurrence of that scenario.

A claim from PDFORRA for a further review in relation to the 21-year contract 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 these findings. They will subsequently make recommendations to me on the options available.

The other data requested by the Deputy is not readily available.

With the support of the Chief of Staff, my focus is on ensuring that the Defence Forces are staffed in a manner that will enable them to continue to deliver the services required of them by Government.