asked the Minister for Defence whether proposals for legislation will be introduced to enable officers of the Defence Forces retired with the rank of major to be regarded as retired with the rank of lieutenant-colonel.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Majors' Retiring Rank.
I am not in a position at present to say whether legislation of the nature envisaged in the question will be introduced. The matter has been under consideration and has been found to give rise to a number of complex problems, the resolution of which would prove extremely difficult.
I should make it clear, however, that the absence of the suggested legislation leaves the officers to whom the question refers under no disability whatever as regards their legal service or post-service rights. As far as they are concerned, the point is solely one of what is generally referred to as the courtesy use by ex-officers of military titles for social or business purposes.