Vol. 529 No. 1
321 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the plans he has put in place to train the Rapid Reaction Force; the costs such plans will incur; if they will require the purchase or leasing of further lands or buildings not in the possession of the Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1336/01]
The White Paper on Defence sets out a comprehensive strategy for a reshaping and re-equipping of the Defence Forces to ensure that they are geared for the opportunities and challenges of the changing security and defence environment. This strategy embraces organisation, equipment, training and technology aspects. The White Paper also recognised that the primary focus of the Defence Forces, when not engaged on operations, is training and preparation. The appropriate training for all Defence Forces formations and units is based on conventional military doctrine to prepare them to fulfil the roles laid down by Government, including overseas peace support operations. As a reflection of the defence and security environment, including developments in relation to the EU Rapid Reaction Force, increased emphasis will be placed on exercises stressing interoperability, procedures and doctrine.
Weapon systems, doctrine and tactics are constantly evolving to meet modern requirements. Operational readiness will be maintained through realistic individual and collective training. The Defence Forces must train and maintain appropriate levels of readiness with all personnel equipped and prepared accordingly. The training of personnel in the technical and tactical skills of the military profession plays a vital role in Defence Forces activities.
Future equipment requirements are already the subject of examination within my Department by the high level civil-military planning and procurement group established under the White Paper. A comprehensive programme to modernise equipment is in place to ensure that the Defence Forces are in a position to contribute to modern peace support operations.
The Defence Forces training centre, located at the Curragh, which includes the UN training school, has the critical role in providing the facilities to prepare the Defence Forces for the conduct of military activities and maintaining required training standards within all formations and units. At present, there are no proposals to lease or purchase additional properties in relation to training for the EU Rapid Reaction Force.
322 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the number of apprentices enlisted by his Department for the years 1999 to 2000 and 2000 to 2001; if he has satisfied himself with this number; if it reflects on his decision to close the Army Apprentice School at Devoy Barracks, Naas, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1337/01]
In total, 47 apprentices have been enlisted in the Permanent Defence Forces over the past three years. Seventeen Naval Service and 15 Air Corps apprentices were enlisted in 1999. A competition for Air Corps apprentices was advertised in August 2000, from which a total of 15 apprentices were enlisted in January this year. The military authorities advise that they are currently in the preparatory stages of organising a further competition for Air Corps apprentices which they hope to advertise in late spring or early summer 2001. I am satisfied with the level of apprentices enlisted over the period 1999 to date.
The decision to close the Army Apprentice School at Devoy Barracks, Naas, County Kildare, has had no adverse effect on the number of apprenticeships being offered.
