An Equality Officer found that the Department of Defence did not discriminate against Mary O’Callaghan when it did not select her for promotion to Assistant Principal Officer. The recommendation was dated 25 July 1996.
The union argued that O’Callaghan was better qualified and more senior than five successful male candidates. The department said it selected candidates on merit and suitability, with regard to seniority.
The officer noted that O’Callaghan received lower marks for experience and general suitability, but ranked 25th among 35 candidates. Six of the nine female candidates ranked above her. She also noted that O’Callaghan was considered the most suitable candidate for a Galway promotion in 1995, but said this did not establish discrimination in the 1993 competition.