Department of Defence

A request for information on officer retention in the Defence Forces, particularly with a focus on the period following the reorganisation of 2012 including the following; 1. The number of commissioned officers broken down by rank who applied for Special Leave Without Pay and Allowances for the purpose of a career break in each year since 2012. 2. The number of commissioned officers broken down by rank who applied for Special Leave Without Pay and Allowances for the purpose of a career break in each year since 2012 and whose application was granted. 3. The number of commissioned officers broken down by rank who applied for Special Leave Without Pay and Allowances for the purpose of a career break in each year since 2012 and whose application was not granted with a summary of the reason why not granted for each case. 4. The number of commissioned officers broken down by rank who submitted an application from 2012 to 2022 for Special Leave Without Pay and Allowances for the purpose of a career break for a career break to commence in 2022 or 2023 and whose application has not been processed i.e. is awaiting a decision. 5. To furnish a copy of the policy on Special Leave Without Pay and Allowances for Commissioned Officers to aid my understanding of the process. 6. Has there been a change in policy regarding officer career breaks? If yes, to furnish a copy of the policy. 7. The establishment and strength of officers in the Defence Forces broken down by rank for each of the years since 2012.