64. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when a promotion competition (details supplied) will be progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38959/24]

The promotion competition that the Deputy refers to is scheduled to run this year.

There has been ongoing consultation between civil/military management and the Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA), to take account of a number of proposed changes to ensure improved efficiency of the competition process and to additionally ensure that the necessary regulatory underpinning for such improvements is in place. This consultation process is almost concluded and once the appropriate underpinning is in place, it is expected that the competition will be launched shortly thereafter.