Vol. 498 No. 2
116 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence the number of non commissioned officers commissioned since 1960; if he has satisfied himself with this number; if it is his intention to increase this figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26840/98]
A total 169 non-commissioned personnel have been appointed to commissioned rank since 1960.
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.
Two non-commissioned personnel have recently been commissioned as air traffic control officers in the Air Corps.
A competition was also held recently for suitably qualified non-commissioned personnel to be commissioned as officers in the information technology area of the Defence Forces.
Further proposals for the commissioning of a number of non-commissioned personnel as Electrical Engineer Officers in the Naval Service are also under consideration at present.
I fully support the principle of commissioning suitably qualified non-commissioned personnel in all areas of the Defence Forces.
