48 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Defence the number of non-commissioned officers and other rank personnel in the Naval Service who have been promoted to officer rank for each year since 1988; the requirements that must be met by Naval personnel in order to qualify for promotion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5043/98]
57 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the total number of commissioned officers in the Army, Navy and Air Corps; the number, in each case, who were commissioned from the ranks; the plans, if any, the Defence Forces has to increase the number of officers commissioned from the ranks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4922/98]
121 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Defence the number of non-commissioned officers and other rank personnel in the Naval Service who have been promoted to officer rank for each year since 1988; the requirements that must be met by Naval personnel in order to qualify for promotion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5042/98]
129 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Defence the number of non-commissioned officers and other rank personnel in the Naval Service who have been promoted to officer rank for each year since 1988; the requirements that must be met by Naval personnel in order to qualify for promotion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5041/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 48, 57, 121 and 129 together.
The number of commissioned officers in the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service at 31 December 1997, the latest date for which these figures are available, was Army — 1,111; Air Corps — 132 and Naval Service — 126.
In 1992 a total of 24 non-commissioned personnel were appointed to commissioned rank in the Permanent Defence Force. Of these, 14 were appointed to the Army, five to the Air Corps and six to the Naval Service. In 1990 one non-commissioned officer was commissioned having completed a cadetship which was awarded through the annual cadetship competition in 1988. One non-commissioned officer was appointed to commissioned rank in each of the years 1993, 1995 and 1997. Each of these officers was assigned to the Army. No non-commissioned personnel were appointed to commissioned rank in the years 1988 to 1991.
Non-commissioned personnel serving in technical appointments who attain the required educational standard may be appointed to commissioned rank, to fill a vacancy for technical officer, provided that they satisfy an interview board as to their suitability. Non-commissioned personnel may also be appointed to be officers on successful completion of a potential officers course. Serving members of the Defence Forces may also compete in the annual cadetship competitions provided that they meet the criteria with regard to age, educational and medical standards.
