asked the Minister for Defence if he will give details of: (a) the establishment, number and type of professional type officer at present in the Defence Forces; (b) the number in training; (c) the amount of extra allowances paid to each type of officer; and (d) if he has any plans to improve the present position.

As the reply is largely in the form of a tabular statement, I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate it with the Official Report.

Following is the statement:

Officers with Professional Qualifications

* There is a total of 19 officers undergoing engineering and science degree courses in UCG (ten engineering and nine science). In addition three officers are undergoing an engineering degree course in Kevin Street College of Technology.

The position in relation to the numerical strength and conditions of service of officers of the Defence Forces is kept under constant review by my Department and any necessary improvements in those areas are undertaken as circumstances require.