Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 19 together.

The regulations governing the promotion of enlisted personnel are provided for in Defence Force regulations A 10, part II, as issued by the Minister for Defence. The more detailed procedures and criteria for the promotion of enlisted personnel are further provided for in "A" administrative instruction, Defence Forces, part 10, as issued by the deputy chief of staff, support.

Promotions to the rank of corporal are effected by the general officers commanding of formations, in accordance with the Defence Force regulations A 10, paragraph 38 and Defence Forces, "A" administrative instruction, part 10. Promotions above the rank of corporal are effected by the deputy chief of staff, support, in accordance with the Defence Force regulations A 10, paragraph 42 and Defence Forces, "A" administrative instruction, part 10.

The Defence Forces internal grievance procedures allow individual personnel who feel that procedures have not been applied properly to appeal to higher authority. The Defence Forces have been actively engaged with PDFORRA in examining the current promotion systems since early this year through a subcommittee of the conciliation and arbitration council with a view to agreeing a new revised promotion scheme.

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