P. J. Sheehan
Question:32 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Defence if agreement has been reached on crewing levels between his Department and the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4631/00]
Vol. 514 No. 5
32 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Defence if agreement has been reached on crewing levels between his Department and the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4631/00]
36 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent, if any, to which it is proposed to increase the strength of the Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4634/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 36 together.
The present policy of ongoing recruitment for enlistment in the Defence Forces, which I have approved, is designed to address the question of any shortfalls in personnel numbers in the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service and the Air Corps. In January 1999, some 20 general service Army recruits were assigned to the Air Corps. In 1999, a total of 97 general service recruits were enlisted in the Naval Service under the general recruitment campaign. A further recruitment campaign for the Defence Forces in respect of the year 2000 will be launched and advertised shortly.
A special general service recruitment campaign, specifically for the Naval Service, was launched in September 1999 and was successful in attracting some 45 recruits. In addition, 17 apprentices and four radio radar technicians were enlisted in 1999 for the Naval Service. A number of personnel have transferred from the Air Corps to take up radio radar technician appointments in the Naval Service. In September 1999, three Naval Service cadets were commissioned. At the end of September 1999, eight new Naval Service cadets were enlisted and they are currently in training in the cadet school, Naval Base, Haulbowline. The cadet competition for year 2000 was only recently advertised and has again elicited a good public response. This competition will provide another intake of cadets for both the Naval Service and the Air Corps this autumn.
In September 1999, 15 avionics apprentices commenced training with the Air Corps. In July 1999, seven Air Corps cadets were commissioned as pilots and in September 1999 a further 13 new Air Corps cadets were enlisted and they are currently in training in the Cadet School, Defence Force Training Centre. They are due return to Baldonnel in June 2000 to commence basic flight training. An earlier class of 11 Air Corps cadets are already undergoing flight training at Baldonnel.
Two non-commissioned personnel were commissioned as Naval Service electrical engineer officers in November last. A direct entry competition for Naval Service watchkeeping officers was advertised recently and interviews have commenced. Proposals for a direct entry competition for marine engineer officers later this year are under consideration at present. Vacancies which have arisen at non-commissioned rank are being filled internally by promotion and vacancies created in the lower ranks consequent on these promotions are being filled by the ongoing recruitment process.