Frances Fitzgerald
Question:189 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence if there is a shortage of non-commissioned officers prepared to do duty in the Lebanon. [21288/99]
Written Answers. - Overseas Missions.
The Government's policy of ongoing continuous recruitment to the Defence Forces has resulted in a significant increase in the number of volunteers for overseas service.
Subsequent to my reply to a question in the House on 19 October 1999, I have learned that of the total of 549 non-commissioned officers and privates serving with the 86th Infantry Battalion it was necessary at the end of the day to detail one NCO to fill a specialist medical appointment. This situation can arise because volunteers may not always be accepted for overseas service for medical reasons or because of operational needs at home.