Fine Gael Kildare South TD, Martin Heydon, has welcomed the news that many soldiers will benefit from a four year extension to their service, thanks to a recommendation in the report of a third party adjudicator in relation to a mandatory rule forcing the retirement of hundreds of soldiers after 21 years of service.
“I have raised this matter on numerous occasions with the Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney, and impressed upon him the need to relax this rule which applies to all affected privates and corporals who joined the army since 1994. The 21 year rule was due to take effect this year and I have had many representations on this issue from serving members based in Kildare South.
“The findings in the adjudicator’s report mean that many soldiers who enlisted after January 1st 1994 will now benefit from up to four years of extra service. I broadly welcome this recommendation following significant progress being made in previous discussions between PDFORRA and civil and military management.
“Following this adjudication recommendation which has been accepted by Minister Coveney, serving Technical Privates and Corporals, in Grades 1 and 2, will now not be discharged after 21 years of maximum service provided they meet certain criteria. Instead, they will be eligible for up to another four years of extra service and criteria requirements include meeting annual medical and fitness tests and not exceeding 50 years of age during this period.
“Serving Technical Privates and Corporals of Technical Grade 3 and above will also be able to serve until 50 years of age, subject to them meeting annual medical and fitness tests and any other relevant criteria. Previously, the position was that they had to retire after 21 years of service.
“Naturally, this matter had been causing serious concern for soldiers and their families who have mortgage and family commitments, especially those who have the necessary skills and fitness levels to continue to serve beyond the 21 year limit.
“Minister Coveney explained that the measure was introduced to make sure soldiers are physically fit for a modern force and the rigours of overseas deployment. The Minister did also say he hoped there would be some flexibility in relation to the rule. This is welcome news to the many soldiers who would typically have been 19 or 20 when they joined the army.”
ENDS
Contact: Martin Heydon TD 087-6262546
Note for Editors:
Information on Technical Grades
Enlisted Personnel who are members of the Technician class, who are employed on the duties of their trade or occupation in a wide variety of trade, technical and specialist appointments, e.g. mechanics, fitters, avionics technicians, ordnance, etc may receive Technical Pay.
Enlisted personnel who are in receipt of technical have an opportunity to have a greater length of service in the Defence Forces and a longer career span. Such personnel represent the majority of the enlisted personnel ranks, i.e. there are very few privates who are line personnel, i.e. not in receipt of technical pay.
Rates of Technical Pay are graded Group 1 to 6 based on the technical qualifications required to fill the particular appointment, with higher rates being paid for higher technical skills.
Below is the full list of technical grades and their grouping. The current rates of technical pay and the six-group structure were introduced in January 1989 following the report of an Inter-Departmental Committee:
GROUP 1
Barber, Buglers and Pipe Band personnel.
Clerk other than a clerk in the Military Police Corps.
Driver Motor Transport (MT) (excluding Motor Cyclist and Despatch Rider) other than a non-commissioned officer of the Military Police Corps employed as a driver M.T.
Fireman (Engineer Corps).
Groom -Grade 1
Medic 3 Star
GROUP 2
Air Traffic Control Assistant.
Ammunition Examiner.
Audio Visual Production Assistant.
Baker.
Boot Repairer.
Butcher (Abattoir).
Cine Projectionist.
Cipher Operator.
Cook.
Dental Surgery Attendant.
Dispenser.
Draughtsman (other than Engineer Corps Surveyor (other than Engineer
and Ordnance Corps).
Farrier.
Groom – Grade 2
Instrumentalist (Defence Forces School of Music). Network Technician.
Librarian and Storeman (Army School of Music). Mechanic (Naval Service).
Barrack Personnel Support Service (established unqualified)
Diver (Grade 1 & 2)
Health and Safety (NCO) Training Instrumentalist (DFSM)
Medical Orderly 3 Star/Ambulance Skills
and one of the following 3 courses
(Audiometery, Spirometry or Vision Screening)
Medical Orderly 3 Star/ Ambulance Attendant Plant Operator
GROUP 3
Advanced Programmer.
Air Traffic Control Aerodrome Controller. Painter.
Armourer.
Blacksmith.
Bodybuilder.
Blocklayer.
Carpenter.
Dental Mechanic.
Electrician.
Construction Plant Fitter.
Joiner.
Mason.
Military Police Investigator.
Ammunition Examiner
Assistant Librarian
Dental Nurses/Dental Surgery Assistants Instrumentalist
Diver Grade 3
GROUP 4
Aircraft Inspector – Grade C.
Chief/Systems Programmer.
Radio Technician – Grade II. Radio/Radar Technician Grade II(NS)
Barrack Personnel Support Services (Established)
Dental Hygienist
Diver Grade 4
Health and Safety NCO (Qualified) Instrumentalist (DFSM)
Electronic Engineering Technician Grade B Scene of Crime Examiners (SOCE’s)
Software Engineering Technician Grade B IT Support Technician Grade B
Communications and Information Technician Grade B
GROUP 5
Aircraft Inspector – Grade B. Instrument Mechanic.
Air Traffic Control Aerodrome and Instrument Repairer
Approach Radar Controller.
Analyst Programmer.
Armament Artificer
.
Armament Artificer (Instrument).
Armament Artificer (Radiac).
Draughtsman (Engineers Corps and Grade I (Naval Service).
Ordnance Corps).
Engine Room Artificer (Naval Service).
Dental Laboratory Technician/Crown and Bridge
Shipwright/Hull Artificer (Naval Service)
Electronic Engineering Technician Grade A
Software Engineering Technician Grade A
IT Support Technician Grade A
Communications and Information Technician Grade A
GROUP 6
Aircraft Inspector – Grade A.
Air Traffic Controller NCO (Tower, Approach and Radar)
Laboratory Technician
Senior Electronic Engineering Technician
Senior Software Engineering Technician
Senior IT Support Technician
Senior Communications and Information Technician