Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

In the context of dealing with the general issue, first, part of the process in which we are now engaging is to examine the balance between members of particular ranks and ordinary members of the Defence Forces to ensure there is not a disproportion in the context of those at officer level as compared to enlisted personnel. In the absence of the final report I will receive from the Chief-of-Staff and the Secretary General, it is not possible to state what the distribution of ranks in the new structure will be. I emphasise that the key focus will be on ensuring the operational capabilities of the Permanent Defence Force are maximised as opposed to maintaining ratios. During the course of this year some promotions are taking place and, where appropriate, competitions are being held. In the context of decisions made, we will bear in mind that decisions made should not create a difficulty with regard to there being a disproportionate ratio of officers to ordinary personnel. There is an important issue in that context in terms of maximising the use of resources. We must ensure we have the enlisted personnel we require, which is why we have started the process of recruitment. As the Deputy is aware from a previous announcement I made, there will be 600 recruits to the Defence Forces this year, which will ensure we return to the level of 9,500 after the various retirements that have taken place. Later in the year we will have a clearer perspective of matters with regard to the officers in the Defence Forces and the proportionality between officers and enlisted members.

See this speech in context