Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Air Corps Flying Assignments.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

364 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Defence the number of officers who have flying assignments in the Air Corps; the number of flying appointments in the Air Corps that are not currently manned; the number of Air Corps officers who have indicated their desire to retire or resign in 1998, by rank; if he will assign piloting duties to selected NCOs in 1998; and the number of pilots currently assigned to air/sea rescue duties. [1317/98]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith):

At present 67 officers of the Air Corps are assigned to specific flying appointments. Thirty six pilot appointments are unfilled at present. Seven pilot — four captains, three commandants — have been granted permission to reitre in 1998 and six other applications from pilots, all captains, are under consideration.

I am arranging to have the question of assigning suitably qualified NCO's to flying duties considered. There are 23 pilot officers engaged on duties with air sea rescue.