Vol. 385 No. 3
asked the Minister for Defence the number of applications for early retirement from officers of the Air Corps which are currently before him; the steps he is taking to ensure that there are sufficient qualified personnel for flying duties in the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
28.
asked the Minister for Defence the number of pilots who have left the Air Corps in 1988; the number of maintenance staff who have left the Air Corps in 1988; and the number of applications current with his Department from pilots who want to leave the service.
(Limerick West): I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 28 together.
Eight officers, including six pilot officers, have retired from the Air Corps during 1988. There are a further eight applications for permission to retire under consideration at present. One pilot officer has applied for permission to resign. Seventy aircraft technicians were discharged from the Air Corps during 1988.
Every effort is made to ensure that there are sufficient qualified pilots for flying duties. All applications for permission to retire are considered having regard to the operational commitments of the Permanent Defence Force. Five officers are currently undergoing flying training and 25 Air Corps cadets are under instruction at the military college.
A Cheann Comhairle——
I am calling Deputy Paul Connaughton who has a Priority Question tabled in respect of this subject matter.
As a result of the recent High Court decision which I accept, is it not true to say that air force pilots will be held against their will? It is obvious that a number of them want to leave the service. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that there will be a contented labour force as far as pilots and technicians are concerned? Obviously, as a result of the High Court case, it is now evident that there are persons who want to leave the service but who cannot do so.
(Limerick West): I am not at liberty to discuss the High Court case but I want to assure the Deputy and the House that I have taken steps to ensure that there will be a contented labour force, that there will be high morale among the officers attached to the Air Corps and that the same will apply with regard to the technicians. This will be done bearing in mind that the various functions to be undertaken by the Air Corps under the Department of Defence will be properly carried out. That is my responsibility. Furthermore, I have plans in train to ensure there will be an adequate response to the applications the Deputy has just outlined. There should be a decision taken with regard to that matter in the very near future.
Would the Minister not accept that a total of 70 technicians within a very small base constitutes a huge number by any standard, leaving the pilots out of the question altogether? Is it not true to say that if the Minister has not the technicians on the ground the pilots will be grounded anyway? Would the Minister not agree that there is a huge problem obtaining within the Air Corps at present? Would the Minister be more specific and tell us what he has in mind to ensure a contented Air Corps, which is something that has not obtained this year because the figures he has just given the House are colossal by any standard?
(Limerick West): I cannot outline in detail to the House the proposals I have in mind because a final decision has not yet been taken in the matter. There are at present five officers undergoing pilot training. It is expected that they will receive their wings by the end of May 1989. There are also 25 Air Corps cadets in the Military College and at this stage it is not possible to predict how many will complete pilot training. I might add that this year and last year there was an increased intake of cadets to ensure there will not be a repetition of the position now obtaining in future years. I am monitoring the problem — and I appreciate the Deputy's concern — and hope to have steps taken to ensure there will be no repetition of this problem. Indeed, I might say to the Deputy also that had his party when in Government taken the necessary steps three or four years ago we would not now be experiencing these difficulties.
The Minister should deal with the problem as it obtains and forget about history. What does the Minister propose to do to replace the 70 technicians, which is a huge number by any standard?
We are having repetition.
I did not receive an answer and I should like to know what the Minister proposes doing to replace those 70 technicians?
(Limerick West): Technicians can retire or resign at any time. I am taking steps now to ensure there will not be a repetition of the problem prevailing within the Air Corps to ensure that the corps is put on a sound footing.
The Minister knows full well that the Air Corps is in total disarray.
(Limerick West): That has been occasioned by the lack of action on the part of the Deputy's own party over the past three or four years.
Would the Minister agree that it is essential that the Air Corps pilots are sufficiently well paid so that they will not be enticed into the private sector, because it makes no sense to train pilots at public expense and then have them go into the private sector? Furthermore, would the Minister agree that there could be a morale problems if pilots are forced to remain in the Air Corps against their will?
(Limerick West): I am indeed concerned about morale and have taken steps to ensure that there will not be a repetition of the problems obtaining. I might remind the House that it takes time to train pilots. In an effort to alleviate the problem I have recruited extra cadets and personnel to ensure there will not be a repetition. The House must remember that one does not train pilots overnight.
The object is to keep them.
(Limerick West): I might say to Deputy Sherlock that the pay review committee established by the Government are considering that aspect, which forms part of their terms of reference.
Do the plans the Minister has in train include proposals to increase the level of pay and allowances? Can the Minister say when that review body will publish their recommendations? For example, will it be before Christmas?
That is not the subject of these questions.
(Limerick West): Of course, the pay of pilots in the Air Corps is being considered by that review committee.
When will we hear about their recommendations? It appears there will be no Christmas boxes for soldiers this year.
