Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 4

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Training.

David Stanton

Question:

97 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the number of apprentices who qualified in the Defence Forces each year for the past four years; the qualifications obtained by these apprentices; the changes, if any, which have occurred in the training structure or in the qualifications received; the changes, if any, envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10384/99]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith):

The number of apprentices who qualified in the Defence Forces in each of the past four years is as follows:

Trade Category	1995	1996	1997	1998
Electricians	9	8	5	–
Fitter Turners	9	4	5	6
Motor Mechanics	4	6	9	–
Radio Technicians	3	3	6	3
Carpenters	8	8	8	–
Electricians Servicers Technicians	–	3	–	2
Total	33	32	33	11

With the closure of the Army apprentice school, it is envisaged that, in future, Army apprentices will attend FÁS courses and-or courses provided by the various regional technical colleges, as is already the situation with Naval Service apprentices.