asked the Minister for Defence if the Government have considered the possibility of allowing school leavers to join the Army and Navy for short periods while they are awaiting the opportunity of pursuing their chosen careers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Leavers' Careers.
33.
My Department is at present conducting competitions for appointments as apprentices in the Army Apprentice School, Naas, and in the Air Corps Apprentice School, Baldonnel, as well as for cadetships in the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. Apart from these competitions, it is open to school leavers who satisfy the conditions, to apply for general enlistment in the Permanent Defence Force. The minimum period for such enlistment is three years.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.