Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
999. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the procedure relating to requests for transfers between the Naval Service and the Army in cases in which a person requests a transfer for family reasons; the length of time for consideration of this request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39642/22]
View answerI have been advised by the Military Authorities that in general, transfer requests for Enlisted Personnel are considered on a case by case basis.
An individual member submits an application for transfer from one service corps to another or a posting (within service corps) through the chain of command, for the consideration of the relevant Brigade/Formation Commanders. An important factor in considering the approval of a transfer request is the existence of a vacancy of appropriate rank and skill set. Where Formation Commanders disagree, the final determination is made by the Deputy Chief of Staff (Support), having taken all factors into consideration.
In this regard, the operational needs of the organisation are balanced with the needs of the individual. I am advised that there is a requirement for Unit Commanders to create conditions where members are afforded the opportunity to meet their contractual obligations for extension of service.
A situation may arise where the movement of an individual to another unit is detrimental to their ability to meet the contractual requirements for extension in service as laid out in Defence Forces Regulations.
In addition, I would advise the Deputy that under the terms of the Promotion Scheme for Non-Commissioned Officers of Sergeant rank and higher, as agreed with the Representative Association, PDFORRA, applications for transfer are ordinarily not administered during the lifetime of the Order of Merit list, of any particular promotion competition.
This allows for vacancies to be filled through promotion as opposed to transfer or posting.
In exceptional circumstances, the filling of vacancies by way of posting/ transfer during a live promotion competition may be sanctioned by the Deputy Chief of Staff (Support).
Where the Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) sanctions a posting or transfer during this period, every effort is made to ensure that no individual on a live Order of Merit list will be adversely affected.
The following timeframe, for the processing of applications, apply to members of the enlisted ranks from date of submission of application form:
a. Parent unit administration 14 Days.
b. Proposed unit administration 14 Days.
c. Parent Brigade/Formation administration 14 Days.
d. Proposed Brigade/Formation administration 14 Days.
e. On occasions where units/brigades disagree and decision is required 21 Days.
The Procedures relating to Commissioned Officer transfers are outlined in Defence Forces Regulations and provide that an Officer may be transferred from one Service Corps to another by the Chief of Staff.
