Defence Forces Reserve

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 June 2012

Thursday, 21 June 2012

Ceisteanna (131)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

127 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 12 October 2011, the numbers, by Brigade of Reserve Defence Force officers promoted under DFR R5 para 31(2) each year since 2005 and to date in 2012; and if it is his policy to continue such promotions for those qualified in 2012; the number RDF Officers been promoted to date arising from his decision in October 2011 and if he will give details of the appointments to which they have been promoted. [30103/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The table below sets out the numbers, by Brigade of Reserve Defence Force officers promoted under DFR R5 para 31(2) each year since 2005 and to date in 2012.

Formation	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012
2 E Bde RDF	0	0	2	8	0	0	0	0
1 S Bde RDF	0	4	2	3	0	0	0	0
4 W Bde RDF	0	2	4	3	0	0	0	0
RDF TA	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
NSR	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	0
Total	0	6	8	17	0	0	0	0

In October 2011 I agreed to sanction limited promotions within the Reserve Defence Force to bring the current strength in all ranks to 70% of the established strength in each rank as provided for in Defence Force Regulations CS 4 (ranks where the strength was at or above 70% would not be considered for promotion). Since my decision of October 2011 no RDF Officers have been promoted, however the military authorities have advised me that arrangements for competitive RDF Officer Promotions are currently being put in place and interviews will commence shortly to fill selected vacancies in the RDF up to the authorised level of 70% of the permitted RDF Officer strength.