asked the Minister for Defence the number of non-commissioned personnel in the Defence Forces, who were commissioned as officers during the past five years; if he has any plans to increase the number of persons commissioned from the ranks; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

(Limerick West): The number of non-commissioned officers who have been commissioned during the past five years is as follows: 1982 — 24; 1987 — 18; Total — 42.

There are no plans to commission other ranks personnel in the foreseeable future, but the matter is kept under continuous review.