asked the Minister for Defence if he intends to avail of the enormous pool of talent available to employers this year by recruiting young men and women of talent leaving school who will not succeed in finding employment due to the serious economic situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Forces Recruitment.
15.
My Department conducted competitions this year for appointments as apprentice 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 young men leaving school who satisfy the conditions to apply for general enlistment in the Permanent Defence Force.
Women are not eligible for appointments as cadet or apprentice in the Permanent Defence Force or for general enlistment in that Force.
Is the Minister satisfied that his initial recruiting drive has been successful and that it is continuing to be successful?
I am so satisfied.