Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
13. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the terms and conditions for re-enlistment to the Defence Forces enforce an obligation to purchase a discharge should a person that re-enlists decide to leave during the period of their contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7956/20]
View answerOn 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 were developed in consultation with the Representative Association, PDFORRA, and 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 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, individuals 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.
I wish to confirm that, as provided for in the terms and conditions for the scheme, anyone who leaves of their own volition during the period of their enlistment of up to three years will not be required to make any payment in order to discharge. They may, however, incur a specific undertaking for any training provided during that period.
