asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state, in relation to the following positions in the service of Aer Lingus Teoranta (a) pilots, (b) navigators, and (c) engineers, the number of applicants and the number of appointments made, distinguishing in each case as between those who had service in the Army Air Corps and those who had service in other armies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aer Lingus Appointments.
I am not in a position to furnish the information requested in the Deputy's question, which relates to a matter of administration which falls within the province of Aer Lingus Teoranta. I am informed by the company, however, that as many members of the Army Air Corps as applied and were qualified were given appointments as pilots in accordance with the policy of the company, and that of a total of 61 at present employed as pilots, engineers, and radio operators, approximately 29 had previous service with the Army Air Corps.
I understand that where Army pilots apply to take up civilian employment they have difficulty in so far as their Army training does not always qualify them to take civilian jobs immediately. Could the Minister say if, apart from the aspect of preference, Aer Lingus would give to former members of the Defence Forces some opportunity whereby they would be afforded a period of training in order to qualify for employment? In the United Kingdom such a system of training is provided.
All pilots recruited by Aer Lingus have to undergo a period of training before they are regarded as suitable for Aer Lingus work.
But I think the Minister will agree that 29 out of 60 hardly indicates that a sufficient degree of consideration has been given to our own people in this matter?
So far as I have been able to ascertain, no pilot who served in the Army Air Corps and applied for employment in Aer Lingus and was considered suitable by Aer Lingus, failed to secure a position.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if the appointment of a person to the position of Air Controller has yet been made.
There is no position as Air Controller in my Department.