Michael Ahern
Ceist:6 Mr. M. Ahern asked the Minister for Defence when the next potential officers course will take place. [3971/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Potential Officers Course.
The most recent potential officers course was held in 1992. The question of holding a further course is being considered.
I congratulate the Minister on his appointment and wish him success during his term of office.
Thank you.
How many officers were recruited from the 1992 course? In the Minister's consideration of holding another course, is it his intention to maintain the level of personnel in the Army officer corps?
A class of 24 NCOs was commissioned in June 1992 following successful completion of a potential officers course. As the Deputy will know, there is at present taking place a review of the Defence Forces, which has been well publicised, on which the Government has as yet made no decisions. I cannot answer that question in the detailed manner sought.
Like Deputy Michael Ahern, I wish the Minister well in his new portfolio. The Minister has said that he is considering another potential officers course and we all know what that means. Would he agree it is unfortunate that he is not in a position to give us a more definitive answer? The Minister will recall that the Gleeson committee strongly recommended these courses being held regularly. This is important because there is no doubt that they improve morale within the Defence Forces. Will the Minister ensure that another such course is arranged as speedily as possible?
I am not planning to change that excellent concept. This practice dates back to a scheme in 1962 when 20 NCOs participated. There was not another until 1970 when 31 more were recruited. The next were in 1975, 1979, 1981, 1986, 1991 and 1992. The House will see that the sequence has not been interrupted by not beginning another immediately but I would have it in mind to do so within a reasonable period. I am not thinking of abolishing such courses; they are an excellent idea. I am heartened by the support I am receiving from Cork Deputies.