Liz O'Donnell
Question:13 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Defence if potential non-commissioned officer courses are to be continued. [11479/95]
Written Answers. - Army Promotions.
Joe Walsh
Question:15 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to lift the restrictions on promotion within the army; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9604/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 15 together.
Promotions are made to fill authorised vacancies as they arise. In recent years there has been a decline in the number of personnel leaving the Premanent Defence Force and this in turn has led to a reduction in the number of promotional outlets. There are no plans to discontinue potential non-commisioned officers courses and I am advised that one such course is actually under way at present. In 1994 a total of 210 personnel were promoted to corporal or higher non-commissioned officer rank and a total of 157 officers were promoted to higher rank.