asked the Minister for Lands if there has been any difficulty in recruiting forestry trainees this year to Kinnitty Training College; how many have applied this year; how many have applied each year since 1960; if there are still vacancies in the College; if he will explain the cause of the drop in the number of applicants for this profession; and how many trainees are at present in the College.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Trainees.
65.
I understand from the Civil Service Commission that it would be contrary to practice to give the information requested by the Deputy. I am aware however, that the number of candidates this year was lower than in previous years. So far 21 successful candidates have reported at Kinnitty and two more are expected this week. The work of checking the health, credentials etc of the remaining qualified candidates is continuing and the final outcome of the competition will not be known for a further period.
There may be two or three vacancies. The reasons for the drop in the number of candidates are not known but the position does not give cause for concern at present.
Can the Minister say how many trainees are at present in the college?
I have not that information immediately available.
It is asked in the question.
No; I have been asked how many applied each year since 1960.
The Minister was asked how many trainees are at present in the college.
All I can say is that in the second and third year there were approximately 59 trainees.