Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for Defence the details of the regular promotion competitions he has recently established allowing non-commissioned officers to compete for officer positions; when this will commence; if it is being established on a once-off basis or if it is a permanent measure; the reason for its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23793/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The revised Cadet competition is now seen as the primary means of commissioning from the ranks. The cadet competition has been revised to increase the maximum entry age to 28 and to award bonus marks to candidates with previous experience in the PDF or RDF. Results for the 2005 cadet competition are encouraging with 14% of PDF and 8% of RDF applicants being successful in obtaining cadetships as against 4% of "civilian" candidates.

Commissioning from the ranks may also take place through periodic Potential Officers Courses (POC) that are held for non-commissioned personnel as required. Personnel are selected for such courses on a competitive basis and those who successfully complete the course are commissioned as Officers in the Permanent Defence Force. Finally, non-commissioned personnel who hold appropriate qualifications may be commissioned to fill specialist appointments where vacancies arise.

It is intended to hold a competition later this year to provide an opportunity for enlisted personnel who have passed the cadet entry age to compete for entry on a potential Officers Course and ultimately, a commission. Consultations with the representative associations are ongoing. The outcome of this competition will inform policy on the issue of similar future competitions.