Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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1340. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the provisions available to a person of the Defence Forces under (details supplied) the way in which a promotion under this guideline should be made in accordance with the operational guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34815/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Provision for meritorious promotion to the rank of Corporal is set out in paragraph 304, ‘A’ Administration Instructions, Part 10 (Chapter 3 – Promotions, Section 1, Promotion to Corporal). It states that promotion to the rank of Corporal may be authorised by the Adjutant General when the individual concerned has given long and loyal service and is considered unsuitable because of age to undergo a Potential NCOs course (members who are over 50 years of age will be considered). It further states that all cases should be kept under review and arrangements should be made to recommend the promotion to the Adjutant General in sufficient time to allow the member to avail of the higher rate of pension and gratuity appropriate to the rank of Corporal.

Whilst this provision still remains in place, there is no basic criteria specified for such meritorious promotions. With the advent of modern, competency based promotion systems now implemented in the Defence Forces which take account of a person’s previous performance, meritorious based promotion seems at odds with this fair and equitable system. To that end, the issue of personnel continuing to be promoted outside of the recognised and objective promotion schemes in place is currently under review by officials in my Department.