asked the Minister for Defence if he will state in relation to the (i) Army Apprentice School and (ii) Air Corps Apprentice School; (a) the criteria used in the selection of apprentices in view of the large number of applicants; (b) the maximum number that can be accommodated at present, and if space or the number of instructors are considerations; (c) if services at (i) have been cut back as suggested in the course of the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 33 of 17 December 1980; (d) if he will give an undertaking to expand apprentice training in view of the high youth unemployment and the shortage of technical staff in the Defence Forces; and (d) if he will update for 1980 the information given on 4 June 1980 in the matter.
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Apprentice Schools.
227.
The information requested is given hereunder:
(a) The selection procedure governing the award of apprenticeships in the Army and Air Corps Apprentice Schools is that:-
(1) candidates are selected for medical examination and interview by means of a points system based on educational qualifications.
(2) subject to (1) above, candidates are required to attend for a medical examination by a medical officer, and if found to be of the required standard of physical fitness, to attend before an interview board and to produce to the board documentary evidence of educational qualifications.
(b) The accommodation and facilities at the Army and Air Corps Apprentice Schools are adequate to cater for the maximum numbers of apprentices provided for in Defence Force Regulations CS4 viz:-
Army Apprentice School — 180; Air Corps Apprentice School — 90.
(c) The canteen at Devoy Barracks. Naas, was closed late last year but an alternative service has since been provided.
(d) Subject to the availability of suitably qualified candidates apprenticeships in the Army and Air Corps Apprentice Schools are awarded each year up to the establishments limits prescribed in Defence Force regulations. These establishments are reviewed from time to time in common with all other Defence Force establishments, to meet changing requirements.
(e) (a) The number of apprentices enlisted under the Defence Forces Apprentice Scheme in 1980:
Army Apprentice School — 43; Air Corps Apprentice School — 59.
(b) number of apprentices in training on 31 December 1980:
Army Apprentice School — 157; Air Corps Apprentice School — 59.
(c) number of applicants in 1980:— Army Apprentice School — 1604; Air Corps Apprentice School — 1306.
number of apprenticeships, by trade, offered in 1980:-
Air Corps Mechanics — 57; Motor Mechanics — 14; Fitters — 12; Electricians — 10; Carpenters — 9; Radio Mechanics — 15; Total 117.
(d) Number of Army and Air Corps Apprentices (by trade) who completed their apprenticeships in 1980 and were assigned to the Army. Air Corps and Naval Service:-
Air Corps Mechanics — 45; Motor Mechanics — 10; Fitters — 10; Electricians — 13; Carpenters — 4; Radio Mechancis — 13; Total 95.
Assigned to Army — 34; Assigned to Air Corps — 46; Assigned to Naval Service — 15.