Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The upper age limits for recruitment in the Permanent Defence Force are determined on the basis that its members are of an age group which is commensurate with the functional requirements of the organisation.

In 2017, the military authorities proposed that the upper age limit for entry to cadetships be reduced from 28 years to 26 years. This has been implemented on a phased basis with advanced notification included in the Terms and Conditions of the 2017 Cadetship Competitions.

The Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) report on recruitment and retention in the Permanent Defence Force was accepted by Government in July 2019.  A comprehensive implementation plan entitled "Strengthening our Defence Forces Phase One" was also published by Government. A range of projects are in development. This includes a review of recruitment methods. The output from this project will inform consideration of upper age limits for recruitment to the Defence Forces into the future.

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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12. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the recent re-enlistment campaign for the Defence Forces; if it remains open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9517/20]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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On 1 April last, I announced a scheme to re-enlist former enlisted personnel who have the skills and expertise required to fill identified gaps in the Permanent Defence Force. The terms and conditions, for this scheme are available on the Defence Forces website, military.ie.

 The scheme will allow for initial re-enlistment for a minimum of six months and up to 3 years. The duration of the re-enlistment offered will be dependent on the vacancies that exist. I can confirm that this scheme currently remains open for application.  

The re-enlistment of former personnel with the relevant skills and experience was one of the many actions being pursued to address the skill shortages in the PDF. It is a medium to long term initiative which pre-dates the COVID crisis, but which also facilitates the COVID response.

Under the terms and conditions, individuals who wish to re-enlist will serve for a specific period and for a specific purpose which will involve the use of a particular skill or area of expertise which cannot currently be met through the use of existing military resources. In addition, those who re-enlist will do so at the rank and salary point on which they left and will be required to meet a range of general eligibility criteria, including medical and physical fitness to ensure they are capable of performing normal military duties.

Since the announcement of the Scheme, I am delighted to report that over 600 applications have been received, with some 500 having gone forward for further assessment by the Chief of Staff. The military authorities are assessing the applications and interviews are underway. I understand that the Chief of Staff will shortly be submitting for my approval, initial recommendations on those who should be re-enlisted.