Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I do not have information on the final question at this point. However, I will inform the Deputies as soon as that information becomes available.

To the best of my recollection there are approximately 100 people in acting-up posts and perhaps approximately 50 promotions to address parity, operational and command requirements. If that is incorrect I will come back to the Deputy in that regard. As I explained in the original reply, there are ongoing discussions with the Department of Finance on the implications of the issues the Deputy raised on people acting up at various levels and the filling of command positions at various levels, which need to be addressed in the context of the operational capacity of the Defence Forces in any event. That is progressing and I would hope the matter would be addressed in the very near future.

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