Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 970: To ask the Minister for Defence if personnel of the Defence Forces who possess third level qualifications such as diplomas and degrees are debarred from applying for the ninth potential officers course if they do not possess the leaving certificate examination; and if so, if he will clarify the reasoning behind this decision on the grounds that third level qualifications such as degrees and diplomas are normally considered higher than the leaving certificate examination. [15135/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The minimum education qualification for entry to the recently announced potential officers course is grade D in any five (5) higher or ordinary level papers in a single sitting of the Leaving Certificate. This is to ensure that each candidate has attained a good general education. Candidates with third level qualifications may be considered for this competition, eg. a HETAC qualification at level 7 or higher. The onus will be on the applicant to show that the qualification comes from a reputable source, is consistent with the requirement of having a good general education and is appropriate to the job description of an officer.