Vol. 418 No. 1
13 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the numbers of NCOs who have been commissioned as officers in each of the past five years; the plans, if any, he has to increase the number of officers coming through the ranks, especially in view of the recommendations of the Gleeson report in this regard, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
A total of 17 NCOs were appointed to be officers in 1987 following completion of a potential officers' course. In 1991, one NCO in the Ordnance Corps was appointed to be a technical officer in that corps. At present 24 NCOs are undergoing a potential officers' course at the Military College, Curragh Camp. The successful candidates will be commissioned in May 1992.
Will the Minister confirm that in the years 1988, 1989 and 1990 — Deputy Byrne asked the Minister for the numbers for the past five years — no NCO was promoted? Will he accept that this is a very disappointing record and that urgent attention by his Department is required to ensure that the pattern is redressed? While I accept that a better picture is emerging in so far as there are 24 NCOs in college at present will the Minister accept that this was the most important area, from the point of view of the status of NCOs within the Defence forces, dealt with in the Gleeson report? Will he confirm if an immediate review of the promotion procedures for NCOs, as recommended in the report of the Gleeson Commission, paragraph 11.2.18, took place and was acted upon?
I have the words of the Gleeson Commission's recommendation before me. I am glad the Deputy appreciates that there has been an appreciable increase in the number of NCOs undergoing the potential officers' course in 1992. We are mindful of this strong and important recommendation. Indeed, it is my experience with regard to NCOs holding out in various places in the Middle East that they are a very valuable commodity in our Defence Forces.
The most valuable.
Is the Minister aware that NCOs with long service have expressed concern in relation to the promotion procedure? They are concerned that when promotions are made their wages may not be on a par with what they receive as NCOs. Will the Minister rectify this matter for them at an early date?
What I can say is that 68 NCOs applied for the course, that 43 were called for final interview and that the 28 I mentioned were selected. They are being trained.
What about the question of pay?
I would like to ask the Minister two specific questions. Has a review taken place and has any action been taken on foot of it? Second, in regard to the promotions for NCOs, there was another recommendation, that a number of posts at command headquarters be reserved or earmarked for NCOs once promoted.
All I can say is that the competition was held on foot of the Gleeson Commission's recommendation. That is in place. With regard to the Deputy's second question, I do not have that information but I will get it for him.
It was suggested that a number of positions at sergeant major level should be reserved at command headquarters.
I will get that information for the Deputy.
