asked the Minister for Defence whether in military barracks throughout the country, lieutenant-colonels are doing both their own tasks and the tasks of their superiors who have left the force; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

(Limerick West): As a result of the Government directive regarding the filling of vacancies within the public service, there is at present one officer of lieutenant-colonel rank performing duties appropriate to a colonel appointment. Because of the need to reduce public service expenditure, instances such as this are inevitable. However, every effort is made to keep these at a minimum.

Is the Minister aware that according to a recent report in a newspaper a number of lieutenant-colonels have been holding down posts of more senior officers? Would he agree that that would cause annoyance among senior ranks in the Army and, in addition, lead to a certain amount of discontent?

(Limerick West): There is at present one instance of an officer of lieutenant-colonel rank who is performing duties appropriate to a vacant colonel appointment, that is the director of the Cavalry Corps.

Would the Minister say whether, in the recent past, there was more than one lieutenant-colonel performing the duties of a superior officer.

(Limerick West): No, there was not.