asked the Minister for Defence the number of apprentices and the different trades employed by his Department at Baldonnel, County Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Baldonnel Apprentices.
9.
There are 193 apprentice Aircraft Mechanics in the Air Corps, Aerodróm Mhic Easmuinn, Baldonnel, County Dublin.
On recent questions of mine to the Minister for Labour the Minister undertook to consult with the Minister for Defence with a view to increasing the number there, having regard to the lack of facilities available for apprenticeships in Dublin. Has any such consultation taken place between the Minister and the Minister for Labour?
Yes. The limiting factor, as the Deputy will understand, is the number of beds and the amount of space for boys. No decision has been made to increase the accommodation at this point in time. It is not possible for me to take in any more than there is room for.
Do I take it that, if the accommodation could be increased, it is possible that the number of apprentices would also be increased?
Yes. If we had more accommodation we would take in more.
Would it not be possible to make accommodation available in some of the other barracks in Dublin city in view of the difficulty of getting apprenticeships in Dublin?
There is a problem there as well. You have got to produce not only the accommodation but also the instruction. In Baldonnel they have the staff to instruct these young men.