Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is a matter for the Chief of Staff and the general staff to operate within the numbers of officers they have. As I have said, the strength level for officers at present is quite strong and stands at 100%, 100%;100%, 91.2%; 93%; 99.2%; 85% and 98% for the ranks of lieutenant general, major general, brigadier general, colonel, lieutenant colonel, commandant, captain and lieutenant, respectively, while the full strength level is at 93.23%. There are a number of issues in that regard as there are different tasks and officers could be on a junior command and staff course or could be abroad etc. One must send officers abroad for their own formation and experience. As the Deputy is aware, and as I have stated in the Chamber many times, we had the highest number of cadets entering into cadet class in September 2016. That will be the same for 2017 as I intend that there will be a similar-sized cadet class.

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