Four senior Army officers, including a former Defence Forces press officer, are to be appointed as brigadier generals over the coming months, following Cabinet approval last week.
In line for promotion are Col Dave Ashe, currently director of personnel but who served as military press officer for part of the 1980s; Col Denis Murphy, director of intelligence; Col Mick Finn, director of strategic planning; and Col Gerry Hegarty, director of operations.
Significant changes in the top ranks of the Defence Forces will take place over the coming months, following the retirement in June of the Chief of Staff, Lieut Gen Jim Sreenan.
Brig Gen Pat Sullivan, who is in charge of the training centre at the Curragh, is also set to retire in the coming months.
The promotions were cleared by the Cabinet last week, on foot of the recommendation of the Minister for Defence, Willie O'Dea.