Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 3

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Recruitment.

Jack Wall

Question:

22 Mr. Wall 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; if a further recruitment campaign is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29457/03]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

According to the latest figures available, 1,150 personnel have been recruited into the Permanent Defence Force since the launch of the most recent recruitment campaign. A total of 905 of these have been general service recruits, 142 officer cadets, 36 apprentices for the Air Corps and 67 from other direct entry competitions.

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.

For 2003, 3,709 applications have been received for positions in the Permanent Defence Force of which 2,021 were for general service recruitment. As a result, 405 general service recruits have been enlisted. At present there are in the region of 210 recruits in training and it is planned to enlist an additional 31 recruits before the end of the year.

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 and from the 2003 cadetship competition, 71 cadets commenced cadet training in the Curragh on 29 September 2003.

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. A total of 250 applications were received for the 2003 Air Corps apprenticeship competition which was advertised on 23 March 2003 and from this competition 19 Air Corps apprentices were enlisted 1 September 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, electrical officers, marine engineer officers and engine room artificers in the Naval Service along with instrumentalists in the Army School of Music and dental surgery assistants are currently being held. A total of 327 applications have been received for direct entry competitions in 2003. As a result, 12 direct entry officers along with two dental surgery assistants and three instrumentalists have been appointed.

The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 sets out a 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. On 31 October 2003, the most recent date for which figures are available, the actual total strength of the Permanent Defence Force was 10,469. The Government remains fully committed to the policy of ongoing recruitment to ensure that an overall strength of 10,500 is achieved and maintained over time. The recruitment effort will be supported by an advertising campaign.