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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 4

Written Answers. - Air Corps Aviation.

Billy Timmins

Question:

167 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence his plans to expand the eligibility of personnel who can train to fly aircraft in the Air Corps; his further plans to set up a wing of the FCA as an Air Defence Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29267/01]

The military authorities advise that there are currently no plans to expand the category of personnel who can train to fly aircraft in the Air Corps, that is, persons who are accepted for pilot training as Air Corps cadets from the annual Defence Forces cadetship competition.

The report of the steering group on the special study of the Reserve Defence Force indicated that the existing first line reserve system meets the Air Corps reserve aviation requirement. Former Air Corps personnel who volunteer for service on the reserve, or who have a reserve commitment, should be attached to a unit of the Air Corps. The steering group did not recommend that a special reserve unit be established specifically for the Air Corps.

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