Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 135: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of promotional positions vacant or waiting to be filled or otherwise deferred in the Air Corps, at all ranks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30235/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The attached table outlines the number of vacancies in the Air Corps. The number of vacancies, by rank, is based on the Employment Control Framework (ECF) of 886, the portion allocated to the Air Corps from the overall ECF figure of 10,000 for all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force, versus the strength of 756 as at 31 May 2012, the latest date for which figures are available. Competitions under the new fully competitive merit-based promotion schemes agreed for Generals have taken place while competitions for Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers are ongoing.

As the Deputy will be aware a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces has been 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. Work is ongoing in this regard. The effect of the changes on promotion cannot be determined until the proposals are considered and decisions made. Promotions will be carried out within the resource envelope allocated to Defence.

Vacancies in the Air Corps on 31 May 2012

Question No. 136 answered with Question No. 26.