(Limerick West): I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 28 together.
Eight officers, including six pilot officers, have retired from the Air Corps during 1988. There are a further eight applications for permission to retire under consideration at present. One pilot officer has applied for permission to resign. Seventy aircraft technicians were discharged from the Air Corps during 1988.
Every effort is made to ensure that there are sufficient qualified pilots for flying duties. All applications for permission to retire are considered having regard to the operational commitments of the Permanent Defence Force. Five officers are currently undergoing flying training and 25 Air Corps cadets are under instruction at the military college.