Matt Carthy
Question:
150. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the occasions on which the Defence Forces have used a process of mandatory selection to enlist members to missions or operations in each of the years from 2000 to date in 2023; the number of members involved in each instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53485/23]
View answer
The Military Authorities advise that it is not possible to collate the required information in the time available. I will revert to the Deputy as soon as the information is made available to me.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to the above mentioned Parliamentary Question for answer on 5 December 2023: “To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the occasions on which the Defence Forces have used a process of mandatory selection to enlist members to missions or operations in each of the years from 2000 to date in 2023; the number of members involved in each instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.”
I was previously advised by the Military Authorities that it was not possible to collate the required information in the time available.
The Military Authorities have additionally reported that the information sought by the Deputy is not available as, Defence Forces Headquarters (DFHQ) Personnel Management System (PMS) currently, is not configured to maintain these records.
However, I have been also advised that as part of the proposals for the upcoming PMS Upgrade, DFHQ Human Resources will be able to track and maintain records of mandatory selection centrally.
The Deputy may also be aware that the procedures for the selection of Defence Forces personnel for overseas service, including mandatory selection, are governed by Defence Forces Regulations and the Associated Administrative Instructions.
In circumstances where there are an insufficient numbers of volunteers to fill overseas appointments, Formation Commanders and Corps Directorates mandatorily select suitable personnel for the appointments to be filled. Unit Commanders interview all prospective mandatory selectees of their unit for overseas deployment and decide whether or not to recommend mandatory selection accordingly. Where there is a non-recommendation, the mandatory selection of an individual does not proceed.
Personnel selected for Mandatory Overseas Deployment may appeal their selection. They must do so within seven days of the date on which they were paraded and informed of their provisional mandatory selection by their Unit Commander.
I trust this is of assistance to you.
