Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 3

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Recruitment.

Willie Penrose

Question:

41 Mr. Penrose 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 of applications accepted; the total number of recruits currently in training; if the planned intake of recruits will be restrained as a result of spending adjustments imposed on his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26075/02]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

Since the beginning of this year a total of 4,102 applications have been received for consideration for positions in the Permanent Defence Force. Of this figure, 2,618 were applications for general service recruitment. So far 489 general service recruits have enlisted of whom 143 are in training at present. The remainder of the pool of general service applications together with any further applications received will be used to fill vacancies as they arise.

The number of applications received for cadetships in 2002 was 1,047 and there were 143 applications received for apprenticeships in the Air Corps. As a result of these competitions 71 cadets, the majority of which commenced cadet training in the Curragh on 30 September, 2002 and 17 Air Corps apprentices were enlisted on 23 September, 2002.

Direct entry competitions for appointments including medical officers, engineers, ordnance corps officers, watchkeeping officers, engine room officers, electrical and engine room artificers in the Naval Service and Instrumentalists in the Army school of music have also been held. So far in 2002 a total of 294 applications have been received for such competitions. As a result 27 direct entry officers, 15 electrical and engine room artificers and seven instrumentalists have been appointed. The selection process in respect of these competitions is ongoing and it is expected that there will be further appointments before the end of this year.