30 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the fact that during the past ten years the average age of a sergeant in the Defence Forces has increased from 34 to 40, the average age of a corporal from 30 to 34, the average age of a private from 24 to 30, he has any plans to reduce the age profile of the ranks involved in view of the implications for the Defence Forces of this trend; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The increases in the average ages of personnel of the Permanent Defence Forces serving in the ranks mentioned by the Deputy is a reflection of the fact that there has been a significant decline in the past couple of years in the numbers seeking discharge from the force. This has limited the scope for new recruitment which would otherwise have taken place.