Liz O'Donnell
Question:19 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Defence when recently recruited soldiers will be fully trained and available for Border or other similar duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3644/97]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Recruitment.
Seán Power
Question:20 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Defence if he is concerned at the recent trend which shows a significant decline in the number of applications for positions in the Defence Forces. [3595/97]
Seán Power
Question:23 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties that have been created as a result of reducing the age limit for recruitment to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3596/97]
Brendan Kenneally
Question:33 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether discrimination is being practised in the Defence Forces through the efforts to reduce the age profile; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24732/96]
Denis Foley
Question:36 Mr. Foley asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding recruitment into the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3408/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 20, 23, 33 and 36 together.
Initial recruit training is of approximately 16 weeks duration on successful completion of which recruits are assigned to a range of duties in barracks. They then undergo private three star training which is of approximately eight weeks duration and on successful completion of that training they may then be assigned to the full range of duties carried out by the Permanent Defence Force.
The number of applicants for enlistment is always likely to reflect the prevailing economic climate and employment opportunities. The growth in the economy and the consequent increase in job opportunities combined with the lowering of the age limit, it is felt has a bearing on the likely pool of applicants.
The reduced upper age limit of 22 years for general service recruits was introduced in 1996. This followed specifically on the recommendation of the efficiency audit group and their consultants who recently completed a review of the organisation and structure of the Defence Forces.
The very unsatisfactory age profile of the members was identified by the efficiency audit group as one of the serious problems facing the Defence Forces. If the problem were to remain unaddressed a situation would be reached where the operational effectiveness of the Force could be seriously compromised. Therefore, in order to address the age problem it is necessary to recruit persons in the younger age-group.
The reduced age limit, combined with the scheme for voluntary early retirement of certain categories of personnel, is designed to reduce the overall age profile of the Defence Forces.
The Defence Forces review implementation plan provides for recruitment of 400 in each of the years 1997 and 1998. Enlistment in 1997 will initially be from the panels of applicants found suitable for enlistment that have been set up arising from the recent recruitment campaign.