Vol. 502 No. 6
116 Mr. O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the likely effect if a UN decision was made to discontinue deploying the Irish Army on peacekeeping missions; and the way in which such a decision would affect promotions to officer rank in the Army. [8825/99]
At any given time there are a number of officers of the Permanent Defence Force serving abroad with United Nations Forces. During the absence of such officers from their home appointments an officer of lower rank may in certain circumstances be temporarily promoted to the higher rank of that home appointment in an acting capacity.
I would emphasise that the basis of the Deputy's question is entirely speculative and hypothetical. There are no proposals to discontinue the involvement of members of the Defence Forces on such UN service.
