Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 5

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Recruitment.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

115 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the implications for recruitment to the Defence Forces of the decision announced by the Minister for Finance of an embargo on public service recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4666/03]

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

117 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Defence the number of applications received for membership of the Defence Forces arising from the recruitment campaign launched in February 2002; the total number of applications accepted; the total number of recruits currently in training; if the restrictions on the recruitment of public servants, announced in the budget, apply to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4678/03]

Paul McGrath

Question:

153 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the number of recruits taken into the Permanent Defence Force in 2002; the barracks at which those recruits are stationed; and his recruitment plans for 2003. [4765/03]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 115, 117 and 153 together.

The Defence Forces have undergone various reviews and significant change in the past 12 years. This change process has focused on structural, operational, training and manpower issues. The process culminated in the White Paper on Defence in 2000 which lays down a defence management strategy for ten years. One of the main outcomes of the various reviews is that the Defence Forces are significantly different in size and in structure from what they were in 1990. They have reduced in strength from 13,500 to 10,500 with an option of up to 250 in training. Recruitment to the Defence Forces will continue throughout this year to maintain an average strength of about 10,600 personnel.

In 2002 a total of 4,234 applications were received for consideration for positions in the Permanent Defence Force. Of this figure, 2,750 were applications for general service recruitment. As a result, 500 general service recruits were enlisted, of whom 93 were subsequently discharged. At present, 117 recruits are in training. The allocation by barracks of those who successfully completed recruit training and have remained in service is as set out in the following tabular statement.

The number of applications received for cadetships in 2002 was 1,047. Some 143 applications were received for apprenticeships in the Air Corps. As a result of these competitions, 71 cadets and 17 Air Corps apprentices were enlisted during 2002.

Direct entry competitions for appointments for 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 were also held. In 2002, a total of 294 applications were received for those competitions. As a result, 27 direct entry officers, 15 electrical and engine room artificers and 8 instrumentalists were appointed. The selection process in respect of some of these competitions is ongoing and it is expected that there will be further appointments this year.

General Service Recruitment - 2002

Brigade	Barracks Stationed	Number still in service
Eastern Brigade	McKee Barracks, Dublin	55
	Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin	50
	Aiken Barracks, Dundalk	10
	Recruits in training	90
Southern Brigade	Collins Barracks, Cork	29
	Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick	1
	Stephen's Barracks, Kilkenny	32
Western Brigade	Custume Barracks, Athlone	17
	Columb Barracks, Mullingar	1
	Renmore Barracks, Galway	10
Defence Forces Training Centre	Plunkett Barracks	15
	Connolly Barracks	12
Naval Service	Naval Base Haulbowline	58
	Recruits in training	27