Written Answers. - Defence Forces Recruitment.
Billy Timmins
Question:
43
Mr. Timmins
asked the
Minister for Defence
the number of recruitment applications received since the commencement of the advertising campaign for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[11709/02]
Jack Wall
Question:
48
Mr. Wall
asked the
Minister for Defence
the number of applications received for membership of the Defence Forces arising from the recruitment campaign launched on 8 February 2002; the total number currently in the Permanent Defence Forces and the Reserve; the way in which these figures compare with the figures recommended in the White Paper; the total number of recruits currently in training; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[11769/02]
Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith): I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 48 together.
Since the launch of the current recruitment campaign a total of 2,588 applications have been received for positions in the Permanent Defence Force.
Of this total figure, 1,316 are applications for general service recruitment, that is, as enlisted personnel in the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. This pool together with any further such applications received will be used during the year to fill general service vacancies as they arise. A further 1,098 applications have been received for inclusion in the cadetship competition from which up to 70 cadets will be recruited. In addition, 174 applications have also been received for various direct entry competitions for specialist appointments as officer or enlisted personnel in the Permanent Defence Force. As of now there are 116 general service recruits in training across the Permanent Defence Force.
The strength of the Permanent Defence Force on 28 February 2002, the most recent date for which details are available, was 10,592 with a further 459 in the First Line Reserve and 13,017 in the Second Line Reserve Force.
The February 2000 White Paper on Defence sets out a total strength figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, comprising 930 for the Air Corps; 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. In addition, the White Paper provides for up to 250 recruits in training at any one time. It is my intention to maintain the established Government policy of continuous recruitment to fill vacancies as required.
Question No. 44 answered with Question No. 32.
