Minister asks Coveney to extend soldiers’ careers

Appeals for lower-ranked soldiers to continue serving in the Defence Forces beyond the 21-year limit set in 1994 appear to have fallen on deaf ears.

Junior minister Ann Phelan yesterday became the most senior politician to support the calls for a relaxation of the mandatory retirement rule.

A career limit was introduced in 1994 for all privates and corporals. It has been extended on two occasions and the first group to be forced out will leave their posts next year.