Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 151: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of positions to be filled at all ranks in the Army, Navy and Air Corps as at the present date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14537/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The table outlines the number of vacancies in the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. The number of vacancies, by rank, is based on the Employment Control Framework of 10,000 all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force versus the strength of 8,918 as at 29 February 2012, the latest date for which figures are available. As the Deputy will be aware a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces will be initiated resulting from the Government decision to maintain the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500. This re-organisation, which will prioritise "front line" service delivery, will have an impact on the number of vacancies in each rank. I have asked the Chief of Staff and Secretary General to bring forward detailed re-organisation proposals for my consideration. The effect of the changes cannot be determined until the proposals are considered and decisions made. Pending the re-organisation, a portion of the vacancies will be filled.

In the period since 29 February, and following on from recent promotion competitions, the vacancy which existed at the rank of Major General was filled by the Government on 6 March. A further 4 vacancies at the rank of Brigadier General have also been filled. Arrangements are currently being made to hold Officer and NCO promotion competitions which have already been announced.