31 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the present position in relation to applications for leave of absence and career breaks by Army officers.

51 Mrs. Fennell asked the Minister for Defence the present position in relation to applications for leave of absence and career breaks by Army officers.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 51 together.

There is no career break scheme in existence for officers of the Permanent Defence Forces. In that regard the Gleeson Commission expressed the view that such a scheme would be inappropriate in the context of their current superannuation arrangements under which pensions are payable after only 12 years' service.

In certain exceptional circumstances leave of absence may be granted to members of the Permanent Defence Forces, for example to take up an appointment with the European Commission or the United Nations.