Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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435. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 700 of 23 May 2017, the progress that has been made in relation to the holding of a competition for promotion from captain to commandant within the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44935/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The White Paper on Defence confirms that the primary role of the Army and Naval Service Reserve is to augment the Permanent Defence Force in times of crisis. In non-crisis situations, the main focus will be on training to prepare for this role. The Government appreciates the service of the members of the Army and Naval Service Reserve and the White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserves . With regard to promotions from Captain to Commandant within the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve, I am informed by the military authorities that they have finalised the relevant administrative matters in preparation for these competitions. Some additional issues remain to be completed. The military authorities expect these to be concluded shortly and the competitions will then be formally launched.