Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Sep 1999

Vol. 508 No. 1

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Strength.

David Stanton

Ceist:

261 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the number of officers serving as electrical engineers in the Naval Service; the establishment, if any, of these officers; the plans, if any, he has to increase this number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18283/99]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith):

I am informed by the military authorities that the current strength of electrical engineer officers in the Naval Service is as follows:

	Commander	Lieutenant-Commander	Lieutenant
AuthorisedStrength	1.00	1.00	5.00
Strength	0.00	2.00	0.00

The vacancy at commander level will be filled by internal promotion in mid October. Two degree qualified NCO's are undergoing an introductory officers course at present and are due to be commissioned as officers in November 1999.