Vol. 395 No. 3
15 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence the total number of recruits expected to be taken into each section of the Defence Forces during 1990; the expected proportion of female recruits; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
25 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons who have applied to join the Defence Forces to date in the present recruitment campaign; the number already called to the Army and in training; and the proposed schedule of intake for the remainder of the year.
34 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has for recruitment to the Defence Forces in 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
55 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence if he has any plans to increase the manning levels for the Irish Naval Service in 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 25, 34 and 55 together.
A total of 6,920 persons applied for enlistment into the Permanent Defence Force by 30 November 1989, which was the final date for the acceptance of applications for the current intake of recruits. Interviews have been completed and 350 successful applicants have been called for enlistment at follows:
|
Army |
280 |
|
Naval Service |
40 |
|
Air Corps |
30 |
Approximately 200 of the above commenced training by 31 January 1990. Up to 650 recruits, including 30 female recruits, are expected to be taken on during the remaining months of the year — that is, about 60 per month. The approximate distribution will be as follows:
|
Army |
580 |
|
Naval Service |
60 |
|
Air Corps |
10 |
A total of 26 technicians have recently been offered appointment in the Naval Service and it is expected that a competition will be held later in the year for an intake of cadets for the Permanent Defence Force.
In view of the very large number of applicants, it is quite obvious that a number of people who would be suitable for the Defence Forces will not now be called on this occasion. Could the Minister say if it is planned to retain a list of such people so that they might be called at a future date?
Yes, we will maintain the list. It is hoped, now that we have established certain drill — forgive the pun — in regard to the intake, this will be maintained. This list will be retained and will be considered for next year's recruitment.
Could the Minister indicate the strength of the Permanent Defence Force after these additional recruits have been appointed?
The strength of the Permanent Defence Force on 31 December last was 12,859. Allowing for wastage, the figure should be in the region of 13,500 by the end of this year. That is just an estimate but I could give a more accurate forecast in the form of a letter to the Deputy if he so wishes.
I welcome that information. What are the plans for the future, as Deputy Nealon has referred to, in terms of the thousands of people who will be disappointed? What are the prospects in terms of intake in future months?
I do not want to anticipate a decision. Naturally, I will be seeking to work towards increasing the numbers. We cannot allow a reduction in numbers below the level that we anticipate for the end of this year. That figure will be the bottom line again for next year but I would like to see it increased. As to where to decide to level out, that is another day's work but certainly the numbers have been too low. We have increased them this year and I would like to see them increased further. When writing to the Deputy I will be more explicit on the matter.
In the programme of recruitment, how many females is it intended to recruit into the Air Corps?
Advertisements will appear later this week for 30 female recruits and they will be invited to apply before 28 February. We can then consider how they will be allocated but they are required for general Defence Force enlistment.
Could I ask the Minister——
Sorry, I must call Deputy Nealon.
I just want to ask——
Order, I have called Deputy Nealon who has a question tabled on the subject.
I will write to the Deputies on the matter.
Some time ago the Minister told us, with his usual style, that he intends to recruit an extra 1,000 people this year. Is that the net figure or will account be taken of the people who will be leaving the Defence Forces?
There will be some wastage but we have not taken it into account in arriving at that figure. I will send a more specific reply to all the Deputies who are asking questions on the matter as to what the net effect will be by the end of the year.
We could well end up with the same number of people in the Defence Forces.
No, it would be roughly 50/50.
That is only the 1989 wastage, but on the 1988 wastage there will be a lesser loss.
There will not be a loss, I assure the Deputy.
