Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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111. To ask the Minister for Defence if the terms and conditions of commissioned officers of the Defence Forces are being reneged on in that special service officers, for example, bomb disposal and marine engineers, are being denied their promotion to commandant, contrary to industrial relations agreement, Defence Forces regulation and contract of employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46681/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The issue of promotion of Special Services Officershas been raised by the Representative Association for Commissioned Officers (RACO) at Conciliation Council. In accordance with normal procedures the Association’s claim is being dealt with under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. As discussions under the Scheme are confidential to the parties involved it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this time. However, it is my intention that promotions will continue to be made in order to fill rank vacancies within the resource envelope allocated to Defence.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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112. To ask the Minister for Defence if the terms and conditions of commissioned officers of the Defence Forces are further being reneged on in that two potential officers, commissioned from the ranks, from the ninth potential officer course, are being forced to retire as captains at 54 years of age where their terms and conditions provide for the rank of commandant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46682/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The issue of the promotion of certain Officers of the 9th Potential Officers Course, in the rank of Captain, has been raised by the Representative Association for Commissioned Officers (RACO) at Conciliation Council. In accordance with normal procedures the Association’s claim is being dealt with under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. As discussions under the Scheme are confidential to the parties involved it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this time. However, I am advised that significant consideration has been given to this issue and that all pertinent matters are being considered. It is important to state that in considering this matter the 9th Potential Officers Course personnel who applied to be Officers were aware of the retirement age of 54 for Captains. The two Officers in question are on a promotion panel, and to consider favouring their promotion ahead of others on that panel would be contrary to the scheme of promotion for Officers as agreed by RACO and voted on collectively by the Officer Corps. It would result in these personnel being promoted ahead of more senior/qualified personnel who are already on an order of merit list for promotion following competitive assessment and interview. It could also lead to Redresses of Wrongs from other Captains who would be disadvantaged if such personnel were promoted ahead of them.