asked the Minister for Defence if all senior posts vacant in the Defence Forces have been filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

(Limerick West): The Government decided in December last to reduce the restrictions on the making of promotions at officer level in the Permanent Defence Force.

The revised arrangements provide that promotions may be made to fill officer appointments which I am satisfied have to be filled because of military and security considerations.

Since 1 January 1989 a total of 151 promotions have been made to the rank of Captain or higher.

Is it not true to say that had the Minister promoted people when they should have been promoted that figure would have been approximately 800 or 900 and not 151?

(Limerick West): The information I have given the Deputy is correct. All promotions are made bearing in mind the necessary operational requirements of the military.

Everybody knows that in 1988 there were practically no promotions sanctioned by the Government.

(Limerick West): That is not correct.

That disposes of questions for today.