asked the Minister for Defence the total personnel in the Naval Service; and how far such personnel falls short of the minimum requirements.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Naval Service.
33.
The number of personnel in the Naval Service as on 28th February, 1966, was 304, which is 227 short of the total number provided for in the peace establishments for the service.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not think this is an indication that the corvettes should long since have been scrapped?
I gave you the information; the comment is yours.
34.
asked the Minister for Defence if there is a statutory period for promotion for officers in the Naval Service; and if he can indicate what that period is relative to the different ranks.
35.
asked the Minister for Defence if promotion in the Naval Service is dependent on sanction from the military authorities.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 35 together.
Defence Force Regulations provide, subject to certain conditions, for the fixed period promotion of naval service officers of the rank of ensign to the rank of sub-lieutenant after two years' service in the rank of ensign and for the promotion of naval service officers of the rank of sub-lieutenant to the rank of lieutenant after eight years' service in the rank of sub-lieutenant.
Outside of the foregoing fixed period promotions, promotions are made only to fill vacancies in establishments. All promotions of officers of the Defence Forces are made by the Minister for Defence on the recommendation of the Chief of Staff.
In other words, promotion of naval officers is dependent on the recommendation of a military or army officer.
All promotions are made by the Minister for Defence on the recommendation of the Chief of Staff.
The Chief of Staff is an Army officer; therefore, an Army officer decides whether a Naval officer is promoted.