Michael Moynihan
Ceist:9 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline whether recently promoted colonels are to take up their appointments at FCÁ command headquarters; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Forces Appointments.
I have been advised by the military authorities that it is not proposed to assign any of the officers of the Permanent Defence Force who were recently promoted to colonel rank to appointments in FCÁ command headquarters.
Traditionally, four colonels were in charge of the FCÁ units. What is the thinking behind such a change of policy? Has it anything to do with the rumours of a further cut in — and indeed disbanding — many of the FCÁ battalions?
The question refers to promotion of colonels, nothing more.
This is an operational matter and not one in which the Minister would wish to intrude. It is a matter for the military authorities. They recently made a submission to the Department regarding the implementation of directives in regard to information which envisages the suppression or replacement of other types of established posts. The Defence Forces are not standing still, changes and reviews are taking place and it is a question of making progress and moving into a new era. As far as the FCÁ are concerned, I assure the Deputy that there is no question of disbanding them. It is a question of operational tactics by the military authorities and they are the people who know exactly what should be done.
This is a fundamental problem. Is the Minister saying that a lieutenant colonel has the same clout as a colonel in regard to finances made available for the various sections of the Defence Forces? I ask the Minister to reconsider this decision.
It is not for me to reconsider a decision because I have not taken it, it is an operational matter. However, I will convey the views of Members to the military authorities if the Deputy wishes me to do so. The FCÁ are changing very rapidly and the fact that a colonel is not in charge of a command does not mean that a lieutenant colonel does not have clout. There is a system which ensures that the FCÁ get priority.
Does a Minister of State have the same clout as a Minister?
Some might have.
Does the change from colonel to lieutenant colonel in the various commands of the FCÁ reflect the 25 per cent reduction in the Permanent Defence Force cadre which has been circulated by the OCs of the various FCÁ commands to each unit across the country? Is the Minister aware of this circulation and of the matters that are requested to be considered in it, and is this proof positive of a general decision by the Department of Defence and the military authorities to reduce by 25 per cent investment in the FCÁ?
The Deputy has injected a lot of new matter into this question.
The answer is no.