Eamon Gilmore
Question:88 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to increase the number of officers from the ranks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20445/99]
Written Answers. - Army Promotions.
I fully support the principle of commissioning suitably qualified non-commissioned personnel in all areas of the Defence Forces.
Non-commissioned personnel who attain particular specialist or degree qualifications may be appointed to commissioned rank, to fill vacancies in areas in which they are qualified, provided that they satisfy an interview board as to their suitability. It is the policy that the filling of such vacancies by commissioning enlisted personnel be given first consideration.
In 1998 two non-commissioned personnel were commissioned as Air Traffic Control Officers in the Air Corps. Two non-commissioned Naval Service personnel will be commissioned as Electrical Engineer Officers in the Naval Service on 3 November next. A competition for suitably qualified non-commissioned personnel to be commissioned as officers in the information technology area of the Defence Forces is nearing finalisation.
A potential officers course for 15 Army and Air Corps personnel commenced on 13 September last and is due to be completed in July 2000. Successful candidates will then be commissioned as officers. A similar course for the commissioning of 10 Naval Service personnel as watchkeeping officers has also recently been approved.