Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 May 2000

Vol. 520 No. 1

Written Answers. - Army Appointments.

Billy Timmins

Question:

132 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence if he has adopted a policy whereby newly promoted lt-colonels are posted as battalion commanders; if his attention has been drawn to this policy; his views, if any, that such a policy will give rise to a quick turnover of battalion commanders which, in the interests of continuity, is undesirable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15385/00]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

Under the relevant provisions of Defence Force Regulations, the chief of staff is vested with the authority for the posting of officers.

The military authorities advise that the chief of staff, in the context of the reorganisation of the Defence Forces and potential developments with regard to future commitments and taskings at home and overseas, is examining the matter of officer postings as part of the overall development of a new integrated personnel management system and policy. A working group has been established by the chief of staff for this purpose.

On 15 May 2000, the chief of staff authorised the new postings of 24 officers (lieutenant colonels and those due promotion to lieutenant colonel), to a wide variety of appointments, including those in a number of battalions, where incumbents were due reassignment.

In making his decision on the postings of lieutenant colonels, the chief of staff has addressed,inter alia, the issue of continuity, in particular appointments. It is expected, subject to the exigencies of the service, that these officers will complete two years in their appointments before further reassignment.