Billy Timmins
Question:69 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the recruitment policy for officer ranks in place in each brigade area of the Army; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20448/02]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Recruitment.
Officers are recruited for service in the Permanent Defence Force and not for any particular brigade. Officers are assigned to and transferred between brigades by the authority of the chief of staff. Recruitment to officer rank is either through a cadetship competition, a direct entry competition, a potential officers course or a commissioning from the ranks competition. The cadetship competition is the entry level for the majority of officers of the Permanent Defence Force. A cadetship competition is held each year to select suitable candidates for the award of cadetship positions. This year a total of 70 cadets were recruited: 50 to the Army, four to the Air Corps and 16 to the Naval Service. In addition direct entry competitions are held from time to time to fill vacancies for a range of professionally qualified personnel. Potential officers courses and commissioning from the ranks competitions are held within the Permanent Defence Force from time to time and non-commissioned personnel who successfully complete such courses are commissioned as officers in the Permanent Defence Force.