Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 557: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of vacancies currently in the Defence Forces by grade; if promotions will be approved and filled in the Defence Forces in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9706/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The table below outlines the number of vacancies in the Permanent Defence Force by rank. The number of vacancies, by rank, is based on the Employment Control Framework of 10,000 all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force versus the strength of 9,438 as at 31 December 2011, the latest date for which figures are available. As the Deputy will be aware a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces will be initiated resulting from the Government decision to maintain the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500. This re-organisation, which will prioritise "front line" service delivery, will have an impact on the number of vacancies in each rank. I have asked the Chief of Staff and Secretary General to bring forward detailed re-organisation proposals for my consideration. The effect of the changes cannot be determined until the proposals are considered and decisions made.

Arrangements are currently being made to hold Officer promotion competitions which have already been announced. Meanwhile promotion boards for Non-commissioned Officer competitions are being put in place. Specific dates on which positions will be filled have yet to be determined.

Strength of the Permanent Defence Force, as at 31 December, 2011 as compared with ECF figures