Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 1 Apr 1981

Vol. 328 No. 4

Written Answers. - Air Corps Pilots.

77.

Mr. Creed

asked the Minister for Defence how he proposes to increase the numerical strength of Air Corps from its present strength of 63 up to its establishment strength of 118; how Air Corps pilots are recruited and cadets and trainee pilots selected at present; if there has been a change in the method of selection of trainee pilots since 1977; and if he will consider setting up a special cadet scheme for Naval Service pilots which will be required for the new naval vessels in view of the shortage of Air Corps pilots and the special skills involved.

78.

Mr. Creed

asked the Minister for Defence if his Department recruit direct entry pilots and, if not, why; if he considers that the pay and conditions of service are sufficiently attractive to encourage recruitment or to retain pilots; the number of pilots at present available and the number in June 1977; and the number recruited during this period and the number who left.

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 78 together.

Up to 1977 a scheme existed for the recruitment of Air Corps cadets for training as pilots. At present suitable junior Army officers are selected for training as pilots on being commissioned. Three officers are expected to qualify as pilots under this scheme later this year and it is also intended to commence the training of additional officers as pilots shortly. I consider that this is the best method for the recruitment and training of pilots for the particular requirements of the Air Corps. It is not intended to recruit direct entry pilots for the Corps.

As I stated on 19 February last in reply to another question from the Deputy, crews for the helicopters which it is proposed to acquire for operation from the new design fishery surveillance vessels will be drawn from the Air Corps. I am satisfied that there will be sufficient trained Air Corps personnel available to operate the helicopters when they enter service.

I consider that the pay and conditions of officers in the Air Corps are sufficiently attractive to encourage recruitment and retention of pilots.

There are 56 pilots in the Air Corps at present. There were 49 pilots in the Air Corps on 1 June 1977 and 15 cadets or officers were undergoing training as pilots on the same date. A further 24 cadets or officers have commenced training since then. Of the intake of 39 trainee pilots, 23 qualified as pilots and three more are expected to qualify later this year. Sixteen pilots left the Air Corps since 1 June 1977.