John Perry
Ceist:260 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Defence if he will approve a transfer application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21185/01]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Personnel.
The transfer of a member of the Permanent Defence Force from one service or unit to another, is entirely a matter for the military authorities in the light of operational requirements. Each transfer application is examined by the military authorities having regard to factors such as the manpower level of the unit in which the applicant is serving, the number of transfer applications already in hand, the seniority of the applicant within the unit and the existence of a suitable vacancy in the unit to which he wishes to transfer.
On 22 June 2001, the individual in question applied for a transfer from 28 Infantry Battalion to 5 Field CIS Company, FCA, Sligo. Due to the embargo on postings/transfers to FCA units the application could not be acceded to by the military authorities. Such transfers have been suspended for some time pending the implementation of the restructuring of the Reserve Defence Force.