Vol. 404 No. 6
11 Mr. McCartan asked the Taoiseach if it is intended to alter the procedures for promotions in the Defence Forces so that they are made on merit rather than simply on seniority; when it is intended to have the new system in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have recently made a Defence Forces Regulation which provides for the setting up of a promotion board to consider and recommend officers for appointment to a number of vacancies at Brigadier-General rank. Arrangements for the establishment of promotion boards for officer promotion at other levels are at present being made.
Could the Taoiseach indicate whether or not the terms of reference of the promotion board as established, which are welcome, will enable the board to act on the concept of merit rather than seniority based on age as a basis for promotion?
We have accepted the recommendation of the commission which is as follows: "The commission recommends that the selection of officers for promotion should change from the system based almost exclusively on seniority to a system based on merit".
In regard to the two very senior vacancies that now exist, including the Southern Command Chief of Staff, will they remain open until the promotions board have made a recommendation? In regard to the promotions board, what is the composition of the board? Who are the members in general terms, or indeed in specific terms, if the Taoiseach has that information? Can the Taoiseach advise the House whether or not the promotions board have the final say? Will the Minister be bound by whatever recommendation comes from the board in time?
The board will make recommendations. The board will consist of the Chief of Staff, Adjutant General Quartermaster General, the Assistant Chief of Staff and a civilian member nominated by the Minister on the recommendation of the Civil Service Commission.
Will the Minister be bound by the recommendation of the board?
It will be a recommendation.
I have a final supplementary on this matter.
Very well, Deputy.
We cannot run the Army across the floor of this House——
No, but I can seek information.
——and the Deputy is probably trying to do that.
A brief question. Let there be no argument.
The Taoiseach is as much bound by the Chair as I am. I have been allowed a supplementary and I will ask it and I thank the Chair for facilitating me. Let me ask the Taoiseach finally, is it envisaged that in making the recommendation it will be of a singular nomination or whether for a particular post a number of options will be available?
I do not know.
The Taoiseach should know. His bad manners should be left somewhere else. Bad grace should be left outside this House.
The Deputy tries to run the Army from those benches over there and he is not going to succeed. Leave promotions where they properly belong, to the military authorities. I will not be tempted into saying anything more.
The Taoiseach should be able to tell us about the promotions. He is on so much shaky ground himself.
The Government are accepting and implementing the recommendation of the Commission in this regard.
Is there anything wrong with some of us asking some questions about that?
The Deputy is constantly trying to stir up the situation.
No, I am merely asking a question.
