Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Feb 1992

Vol. 416 No. 1

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Promotions.

Seán Ryan

Question:

116 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline, (1) the current method of promotion of officers of the rank of commandant or equivalent to the rank of lieutenant colonel or equivalent in all corps of the Defence Forces, (2) whether there are any service obligations to promote other than by means of promotional interviews, (3) the criteria for such promotions with particular regard to minimum service in the rank, (4) whether there are or were any civilian members on the promotional boards, (5) the number of promotions to lieutenant colonel for the period 1 July 1991, to date, (6) the anticipated number of lieutenant colonel promotions that are expected to be made in the period to December 1992 and (7) when the next promotion board will be convened, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Seán Ryan

Question:

117 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline, (1) the current method of promotion of officers of the rank of captain (infantry) or equivalent to the rank of commandant or equivalent in all corps of the Defence Forces, (2) whether there are any service obligations to promote other than by means of promotional interview, (3) the criteria for such promotions with particular regard to minimum service in the rank, (4) whether there are or were any civilian members on the promotional boards, (5) the number of promotions to commandant for the period 1 July 1991 to date, (6) the anticipated number of commandant promotions that are expected to be made in the period to December 1992 and (7) when the next promotions board will be convened, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Defence (Mr. Wilson)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 117 together.

The procedures for the promotion of officers of the Permanent Defence Force are prescribed in Defence Forces Regulations A15 which are available in the Library of the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Seventeen officers were promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the period since 1 July 1991. There were no promotions to commandant rank in that period. Details of anticipated promotions to those ranks for the remainder of 1992 are not yet available.

Arrangements for further competitions for promotions involving the setting up of promotion boards are the subject of ongoing discussions with the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers.