Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 20 Feb 1992

Vol. 416 No. 1

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Grades.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

115 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline for (a) Na Buan-Óglaigh, (b) the first line reserve and (c) the second line reserve, (1) the number of members who hold acting ranks as at 31 August 1991, and 31 December 1991, by rank and corps, (2) the percentage these strengths are of those serving in the respective ranks, (3) the rationale for so many officers holding acting ranks, (4) whether those holding such ranks are required to compete for promotional vacancies in the ranks in which they are serving, (5) the implications of the administrative budget system to promotions, (6) the sanctioning authority for acting and substantive promotions and (7) the role of the Minister for Finance in officer promotions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Defence (Mr. Wilson)

Details of the number of officers of the Permanent Defence Force serving in acting ranks on 31 August and 31 December 1991 are as follows:

Rank	31 August 1991 (Percentage of Total Serving in Rank)	31 December 1991 (Percentage of Total Serving in Rank)
Brigadier-General	1	(11%)	1	(11%)
Colonel	1	(3%)	—	(0%)
Lieutenant Colonel	22	(15%)	23	(17%)
Commandant	118	(24%)	120	(24%)
Captain	13	(2%)	55	(9%)
Total	115	(10%)	199	(13%)

There are no officers of the reserve of officers serving in acting ranks. Promotion to acting rank mainly arises when officers are promoted to fill temporary vacancies created by assignment of personnel to United Nations duty. On 31 December 1991 there were 145 officers serving with United Nations missions. Pay and allowances are the same for acting and substantive ranks.

Officers promoted on an acting basis to serve with the United Nations revert to their substantive rank on return from overseas duty; they may compete for promotion to vacancies in the rank in which they were acting. Other officers promoted on an acting basis are normally made substantive in their new rank after a period of service in an acting capacity.

The Minister for Defence is the promoting authority for officers of the Defence Forces; the financial sanction of the Minister for Finance is required for promotions.

The information requested as to the various corps in which officers are serving in acting ranks on 31 December 1991 is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.