Written answers

Wednesday, 24 February 2010

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Promotions

9:00 am

Photo of Seán BarrettSeán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of promotions by rank and appointment that have occurred within the Defence Forces since 20 January 2010; the number of acting up appointments made since that date; further to Parliamentary Question No. 69 of 20 January 2010, if all promotions have been implemented, and if not, the timescale by which all promotions will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9260/10]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of appointments that have been filled to date in 2010 in view of the recent decision to approve 50 promotions at senior level within the Defence Forces; when the outstanding posts will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9192/10]

Photo of Pat CareyPat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos.74 and 81 together.

Resulting from the Government Decision regarding the reduction of public service numbers and the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, recruitment, promotions and acting up appointments in the Permanent Defence Forces were suspended.

However, in order to maintain the ongoing operational capability of the Defence Forces, a limited number of exceptions to the application of the measures to the Permanent Defence Force were sought in a submission to the Minister for Finance, in June 2009. The need for limited recruitment, promotions and acting appointments for the Defence Forces was outlined.

As was announced on the 24 November 2009, the Minister for Finance approved an allocation of 50 promotions, for the Permanent Defence Force. These promotions were approved to address priority operational and command requirements of the Permanent Defence Force.

In order that these promotions were allocated in a manner that gives protection to the operational capacity of the Defence Forces, Military Management reviewed existing vacancies in all ranks across the organisation as a whole, so as to prioritise those to be filled from the approved promotions.

Following on from the Military review and the identification of priority posts, a total of 9 Officer promotions and 15 enlisted promotions have been completed to date. The 15 enlisted promotions which include 11 Sergeants, 1 Flight Sergeant and 3 Company Quarter Master Sergeants (CQMS) have been completed since 20 January last. A further 12 enlisted promotions will be completed in the coming weeks as soon as the administrative procedures relating to them have been completed. A number of senior technical officer vacancies also remain to be filled. The residual approved promotions will be used to fill priority posts arising in the next few months.

In addition, since 20 January last, 2 posts have been filled through acting up appointments. Of these 1 officer is in a home appointment and 1 non-commissioned officer is in an overseas appointment.

Officials in the Department are continuing to engage with the Military Authorities in relation to the review of structures and posts required to meet the operational requirements of the Defence Forces in light of the Government decision to maintain a complement of 10,000 personnel.

I am glad to say that while these are challenging times, the Defence Forces have risen to the challenge and are organised, equipped and staffed in a manner, which will ensure that they can continue to deliver the services required of them by Government.

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