THE second offer of voluntary retirement payments, involving sums of up to £40,000 to tempt military personnel to leave the Defence Forces, has again prompted a minor stampede.
It is understood that as many as 1,500 military personnel have applied for the 640 offers of early retirement on offer later this year.
There was a similar rush last year when the Voluntary Early Retirement scheme was introduced as part of a reorganisation of the Defence Forces which included a reduction in numbers from 13,000 to 11,500.
The redundancy offers range from £3,272 to £39,897. On top of these sums are the normal gratuities to soldiers on retirement which bring the top range lumpsum payments up to £60,000.
The package also includes index-linked pensions from £118.70 a week for a private with 20 years' service to £21,342 a year for a colonel with 33 years.
A total of 77 retirement packages for officers and 563 for other ranks were offered this year. The closing date for application was set at the end of February.
Defence Forces management insists the over-subscription of applications for the redundancy payments reflects no decline in morale but rather the package's attractiveness.
Another VER package will be offered next year. The reduction in serving soldiers is taking place alongside an increased intake of recruits to help reduce the Defence Forces' age profile.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Defence, Mr Barrett, yesterday published the strategy document for the Defence Forces and his Department for the next two years. It outlines his proposals for the commitment of resources.
He said: "It is important that these resources are used in the most effective manner and that we provide defence and other services which meet the needs of our community and give value for money to taxpayers".
The 32-page document, which is available from Government publications outlets, sets out proposals for "ensuring that the overall defence organisation is forward-looking, customer-orientated and geared to deliver the required military and other defence services in a value for money way".