Vol. 564 No. 2
71 Ms McManus 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; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8936/03]
75 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Defence the reason 93 of the 500 general service recruits enlisted during 2002 were subsequently discharged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8937/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 75 together.
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. Of the 93 discharged, 89 were discharged by purchase and the reasons they gave for leaving varied from taking up civilian employment, returning to education, unsuited to military life, domestic/family or no reason given. The remaining recruits did not successfully complete recruit training.
In 2003 to date 1,794 applications have been received for positions in the Permanent Defence Force of which 652 were for general service recruitment. As a result, to date this year, 36 general service recruits have been enlisted. At present 108 recruits are in training.
The number of applications received for cadetships in 2002 and 2003 was 1,047 and 1,111 respectively. As a result of the 2002 cadetship competition 71 cadets were enlisted. The cadetship competition 2003 is currently ongoing.
Some 143 applications were received for apprenticeships in the Air Corps and, as a result, 17 Air Corps apprentices were enlisted on 23 September 2002. The 2003 Air Corps apprenticeship competition was advertised on 23 March 2003 and the closing date for receipt of applications is 15 April 2003.
In 2002 a total of 294 applications were received for 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. As a result, 27 direct entry officers, 15 electrical and engine room artificers and eight instrumentalists were appointed.
Direct entry competitions for appointments for medical officers, engineers, watchkeeping officers, engine room officers, engine room artificers in the Naval Service and instrumentalists in the Army School of Music are currently being held. To date in 2003 a total of 31 applications have been received for these direct entry competitions. As a result, eight direct entry officers have been appointed. The selection process in respect of these competitions is ongoing and it is expected that there will be further appointments this year.
72 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence if an agreement has been reached regarding the future of soldiers who have been on a 12 year contract; and if he will consider giving them the option of extending their service up to 21 years. [8977/03]
The unsatisfactory age and fitness profile of the Permanent Defence Force was commented upon by the Gleeson commission in its report in 1990. The matter had also been of serious concern to the military authorities for a number of years. The age profile was also the subject of severe criticism by PriceWaterhouse Consultants who had been engaged by the efficiency audit group, EAG, to conduct an in-depth study of the Defence Forces. One of the key areas identified for urgent action by the EAG was the development of a manpower policy with an emphasis on lowering the age profile of Permanent Defence Force personnel. The EAG's report was accepted by Government in 1995.
In an effort to alleviate the situation, the Government had already decided in 1993 to enlist personnel on a five year contract basis with a Reserve Defence Force commitment of seven years. The recruitment of personnel on five year contracts was introduced following consultation with the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association, PDFORRA.
In 1997 agreement was reached with PDFORRA on a new manpower policy for the Defence Forces. This policy, applying to personnel enlisted after 1 January 1994 provided that service for private soldiers would initially be for five years with the option to be extended to a maximum of 12 years. Any extension was subject to the individual soldier meeting certain criteria to include standards of medical and physical fitness and conduct. Longer periods of service were envisaged for junior and senior non-commissioned officers. The new policy represented a substantial improvement for personnel who would otherwise have had to leave after five years service while continuing to address the issues of age profile and fitness levels in the Defence Forces. I am satisfied with these existing arrangements.
PDFORRA recently submitted a claim under the conciliation and arbitration scheme for a further review of the terms of service applying to personnel enlisting in the Permanent Defence Force after 1 January 1994. As discussions on issues raised under the conciliation and arbitration scheme are confidential to the parties concerned the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
