asked the Minister for Defence whether any arrangements are in operation at present for the training of National Army Officers in England, and, if so, if he will state what the arrangements are, and also the number of such officers and their ranks at present in training there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Training of National Army Officers.
Specially selected Officers of the Defence Forces attend Courses of Instruction of a specialised nature at Military Colleges and Schools in England, where adequate facilities do not exist in this country. With regard to arrangements, all such Courses are on a repayment basis, and application to reserve vacancies for our Officers is made through the usual channel to the British War Department. Two Officers (one Captain and one Lieutenant) are at present attending such Courses.
Will the Minister state whether any similar arrangements exist for the training of Free State Army Officers in countries other than Britain?
Yes. The Deputy may remember that we sent quite a number of Officers to America.
Will the Minister state whether any Army Officers are undergoing training in any country other than Britain?
No. There are only two Officers at present training outside the country, one a Captain and the other a Lieutenant.