Vol. 173 No. 1
asked the Minister for Defence whether he has received representations from the lieutenants on the first line reserve for automatic promotion to the rank of captain; whether he will consider amending the Defence Force Regulations regarding promotion and reversions to accord with those applicable to the Regular Army; and if he will now make a statement regarding this matter.
63.
asked the Minister for Defence whether he proposes to amend the Defence Force Regulations so as to provide for the Reserve the same process of automatic promotion from lieutenant to captain as exists for the Regular Army.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 62 and 63 together.
The position is, and has been for many years, that promotions of officers of the Reserve of Officers—First Line are not made beyond the rank of lieutenant while the personnel concerned are not on permanent service. I regret that I cannot hold out any hope of an early change in this position but I shall bear the matter in mind.
