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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 4

Written Answers. - Air Corps Strength.

Willie Penrose

Question:

71 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Defence the reason the loyalty bonus to encourage experienced pilots to remain in the Air Corps has been abandoned; if he has satisfied himself that there will be sufficient pilots to meet the operational needs of the corps; the number of qualified pilots in the corps; the number of pilots engaged on flying duties; the average monthly flying hours for pilots; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26185/99]

Nora Owen

Question:

79 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Defence the action, if any, he will take to deal with pilot shortages in view of the dropping of the incentive scheme for flying officers. [26292/99]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 79 together.

The service commitment scheme was introduced in 1997 for pilot officers of the Air Corps. From the outset the scheme applied primarily to experienced personnel who were rated on and flying the Gulfstream IV, Beechcraft, CASA and Dauphin aircraft which are the principal operational aircraft in the Air Corps. The scheme was introduced with a view to assisting in the retention in service of senior pilots in key appointments in areas such as search and rescue, maritime surveillance and ministerial air transport. The gratuities available under the scheme were designed to strike a fair and reasonable balance between the demands of the external commercial environment and the need to exercise responsibility in relation to public service pay. Such financial incentives are not uncommon in defence forces in other countries where similar difficulties exist in retaining highly qualified and readily marketable personnel. The scheme, moreover, was perceived to offer a more acceptable avenue of approach for all concerned than the imposition of any compulsory retention.

The service commitment scheme was introduced for a two year period and I am satisfied that, as a significant incentive scheme, it has helped to stabilise the drain of key pilots from the Air Corps and to create an environment of some predictable certainty for the medium term future in that regard. A total of 17 pilots had opted to participate under the terms of the service commitment scheme by the time of closure of the scheme at the end the original two year period of sanction. Application for entry to the scheme was entirely voluntary in nature.
The Air Corps, having reviewed the operation of this scheme, is to bring forward proposals in relation to the retention of pilots and its proposals are now awaited.
The military authorities advise that there are currently 84 pilot officers in the Air Corps. The average monthly flying hours for pilots are being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy.
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