asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that opportunities for promotion in the Defence Forces will be greatly restricted in future due to Government policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

(Limerick West): The Permanent Defence Force is subject to the same restrictions in the matter of filling promotion outlets as other parts of the public service.

Is the Minister aware that large numbers of senior and junior officers, NCOs and men have been leaving the forces which is giving cause for disquiet? Is the Minister also aware that there is a lack of morale in the forces?

(Limerick West): I am not aware that there is a lack of morale in the forces. In answer to a previous question, I said that the number of officers and men leaving the armed forces is no greater this year than it was ten or 20 years ago. In order to ensure adequate personnel in the Defence Forces, I am recruiting 400 men for the general service; 25 cadets will be taken into the Army within the next month and this year 50 apprentices will also be taken on. There is no lowering of morale in the Army.

Is it Government policy not to fill four vacant positions for colonels and 12 vacancies for lieutenant-colonels? Is the Minister aware that the non-filling of these vacancies has already caused serious defects in the Army's command structure?

(Limerick West): No, I am not so aware. As I have said to the Deputy, the same restrictions apply to the Army as to the public service with regard to the filling of promotions.

A Cheann Comhairle——

I am very sorry to disappoint Deputy Cooney but I am precluded from hearing him as supplementary questions in respect of priority questions are confined to Deputies who put down those questions.

Why did the Minister allow the situation to develop whereby positions for commanders of major units and specialty units, senior key staff positions' remain unfilled thereby causing a loss of morale in our armed forces?

(Limerick West): As I have pointed out to the Deputy, I am not aware of any lowering of morale in the Army. As the Deputy is aware, I have instituted a review of defence policy generally and this review will cover all aspects of manpower policy, including career planning for members of the Permanent Defence Force. I am satisfied, as Minister — and I have visited most of the barracks throughout the country since I was appointed — that the morale in the Army is high.