Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 730: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans to lift the embargo on the recruitment of army officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23749/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Cadetship Competition is the entry level for the majority of Officers of the Permanent Defence Force. From the Cadetship Competition, suitable candidates are selected for the award of cadetship positions. 42 Cadets were inducted in 2009 (30 Army and 12 Naval Service) and a further 30 Cadets were inducted in 2010 (21 Army, 6 Naval Service and 3 Air Corps). From the Cadetship Competition 2011 there will be an intake of 32 Cadets (21 Army, 8 Naval Service and 3 Air Corps) on 3 October 2011.

In addition, from Direct Entry Competitions held to fill vacancies in specialist appointments, 5 Doctors were appointed in 2009 to the Defence Forces Medical Corps.