Progression to CO Higher Scale

Nigel Fairservice · 12-06-2026 11:38PM #1

Hi folks,

A colleague mentioned to me they had been moved on to the CO higher scale a few months back. They didn't know anything about it until they checked their payslip one day and noticed their pay was a bit higher than normal. Our department does not seem to operate a competition to move on to the higher scale. It seems to be seniority based.

I'm the same grade as my colleague who was awarded the higher scale but I have 4 years more service in the grade than they do. My colleague is in our current department one year longer than me. Is it seniority in grade or length of service in a department that generally applies when determining if someone can get the higher scale?

I have emailed my HR unit twice over the last 2 about it but haven't heard back.

Thanks

Kirbi · 13-06-2026 04:43PM

COs lose their seniority when they move organisation.

See question 110 in the below FAQ doc.

https://www.hr.per.gov.ie/en/publications/faqs/

billyhead · 13-06-2026 08:17PM

So it's based on seniority wothout any competition? How often do Departments allocate someone to the higher scale and are they allowed to allocate a certain number?

2021_AP · 14-06-2026 10:51AM

In my department its done every October, they are allowed a certain percentage on HS

billyhead · 14-06-2026 03:27PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124549848#Comment_124549848

How do they determine who goes on it? Is it on lenght of service or a competition?

2021_AP · 15-06-2026 12:27AM

Each department has its own way of determining. You should email your hr department and ask

Progression to CO Higher Scale

Comments