Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:124 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to increase the number of officers from the ranks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4998/99]
Written Answers. - Air Corps Personnel.
I fully support the principle of commissioning suitably qualified non-commissioned personnel in all areas of the Defence Forces.
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 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.
In 1998 two non-commissioned personnel were commissioned as air traffic control officers in the Air Corps. A competition was also held in 1998 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 and for the holding of a potential officers course are also under active consideration at present.