Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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299. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has reviewed the upper age limit for the recruitment of Defence Forces personnel at a time when recruiting suitable personnel is proving problematic; his views on whether the current age limits having regard to international comparisons are appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55250/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The age limits for personnel wishing to enter the Permanent Defence Force are as set out in Regulations made pursuant to the Defence Act 1954, as amended.

The nature of military service requires that the age profile of personnel in the Defence Forces must be appropriately managed to ensure that capability requirements are met and, as with all such policies, age requirements are kept under review.  Such reviews include: 

- An independently chaired review, which has examined Defence Forces recruitment practices and procedures, including entry criteria, has concluded and the final report was recently submitted to me.  Recommendations that arise from this report will be considered and progressed as appropriate.

-The Commission on the Defence Forces is also examining a range of recruitment and retention matters relating to the Defence Forces and their recommendations will be given full consideration.