Vol. 414 No. 1
16 Mr. Kavanagh asked the Minister for Defence if, having regard to the recent disquiet in the Defence Forces regarding promotions and the selection process, he has any plans to review the selection system at officer rank in the Reserve Defence Force Second Line; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Promotions of officers in the Reserve Defence Force — Second Line, comprising An Forsa Cosanta Áitiúil and An Slua Muirí, are made in accordance with Defence Forces Regulations which provide that the qualifications normally required shall be as laid down in training instructions issued by the General Staff. There is further provision for the fixed period promotion of officers from lieutentant to captain, or equivalent rank in An Slua Muirí, on completion of 15 years' service subject to certain conditions as regards qualification and suitability.
I will, however, examine the promotion arrangements for the Reserve Defence Force in consultation with the emerging association for that force when the arrangements for a new promotion system for the Permanent Defence Force are finalised.
