asked the Minister for Defence if he will make arrangements to ensure that the recent extension of service of all ranks from Lieutenant-Colonel upwards will not delay the promotion of officers below these ranks, who would have received promotion on the normal retirement of these senior officers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Service Extension.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the reason for the recent extension of the upper age limit for certain Army officers, and if, in view of the detrimental effect of this extension on other officers, including those who served during the emergency and remained in the service and those who were promoted from the ranks, he will consider the advisability of making the extension applicable to all serving officers.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 47 and 48 together.
The recent extension of the normal retiring ages by a further two years was granted to officers of all ranks with pre-Truce service as the existing extension of one year granted in 1949 was not considered to be an adequate recognition of the pre-Truce service rendered by these officers. Only for that very exceptional and compelling reason was I prepared to disturb the normal retiring ages which were fixed after full consideration of all the factors affecting each rank.
I am also aware that the extension granted to pre-Truce officers will cause some delay in promotions to commandant and higher ranks. I have, however, the case of junior officers under special consideration with a view to seeing in what way their conditions of service may be improved. I am not yet in a position to say what the final outcome of such consideration will be.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, I should like to say, first of all, that neither my colleagues nor myself are opposed to this extension of service. I am glad to hear that it goes below the ranks as mentioned in the question because I know, and the Minister knows, that there are pre-Truce officers in at least two of the lower ranks. What I am concerned about is that there is a number of officers who will be concerned with this extension——
The Deputy is making a speech.
I do not think I am making as long a speech as the Tánaiste made when replying to a question.
If the Deputy is making a charge on the partiality of the Chair that is another matter.
I am only pointing out that whenever I endeavour to make a case to the Minister the Chair interrupts me.
The Deputy is challenging the Chair. I am asking the Deputy to ask a question. This is Question Time. The Deputy is questioning my alleged partiality to the Tánaiste, and that is a matter to be raised elsewhere, unless he withdraws it.
Arising out of my question, I am endeavouring to point out to the Minister that a number of officers in the Army are likely to have their promotions deferred for an indefinite period, and I am suggesting that the Minister takes steps, as asked in the question, to deal with that matter. There is no reason why these officers who are being denied this promotion could not receive it on the date on which——
Would the Deputy ask the question?
I have asked a question.
I do not see what it is.
In reply to the supplementary question, I want to point out that I have extended the service of all people with I.R.A. pre-Truce service in all ranks, officers, N.C.O.s and men.
I accept that.
On the question of promotion, there are 70 officers with that service at present in the Army. So it affects only 70. The condition on which extension of service is granted is that those concerned are fit for continuance of their office. A medical examination must take place and they must be found fit.
Will the Minister not agree that unless exceptional steps are taken the date of the extension will be delayed?
I shall examine that matter.