Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)

Not all ranks are under-resourced. Based on the employment control framework figure of 10,000, the current strength of the Defence Forces of just under 9,000 indicates that we have an excess of captains - there are 30 too many – but the number of sergeants and corporals is down by 485. I understand the numbers are to be rebalanced under the reorganisation of the Defence Forces. Is there a timeframe for when that will happen? I accept the brigade structure is being reorganised from three to two at the moment. Will there be an interview process to fill in the shortfall in the ranks? We received the reply by email so I am aware of the figures. The table indicates we have 30 captains too many. I presume it is hoped to promote some of them up to the next rank to balance the figures across the board.

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