Vol. 482 No. 4
18 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Defence the number of officers commissioned from other ranks in each of the past five years in respect of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service; the plans, if any, he has to encourage the promotion of a greater number of officers from within other ranks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18136/97]
In 1992, 24 non-commissioned personnel were appointed to commissioned rank in the Permanent Defence Force, 14 to the Army, five to the Air Corps and five to the Naval Service; one non-commissioned member was appointed to commissioned rank in the Permanent Defence Force in each of the years 1993, 1995 and 1997. Each of these officers was assigned to the Army. Non-commissioned personnel were not appointed to commissioned rank in 1994 or 1996.
At present the question of holding further potential officer's courses is under review in the light ot the total strength of officers serving in the Permanent Defence Force. Serving members of the Permanent Defence Force may take part in the annual cadetship competitions and in that regard an extension of the upper age limit to under 24 years applies in their case.
