asked the Minister for Defence if he will state, in relation to the promotion of NCOs to officers, the number of applications received within the last 12 months from NCOs in the Army, Air Corps and the Naval Service, and the number of applications which were successful in each case; if he is satisfied that NCOs in all sections of the Defence Forces have been afforded equal opportunity for promotions to officer level; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - NCOs Promotion.
9.
Seventy-eight applications (57 Army, 18 Air Corps, three Naval Service) were received from non-commissioned officers to undergo a potential officers' course which was advertised throughout the Permanent Defence Force during February and March last. Seventeen applications (13 Army, four Air Corps) were found suitable to undergo the course which commenced on 6 October 1986. All non-commissioned officers of the Permanent Defence Force who met the prescribed conditions were eligible to apply.