Charles Flanagan
Ceist:53 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence the way in which he intends to deal with the shortage of specialist personnel in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17938/98]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Personnel.
Dinny McGinley
Ceist:68 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence the number serving in the Defence Forces; if he will outline the shortages of staff in key specialist areas; his future recruitment strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22731/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 68 together.
The strength of the Permanent Defence Force on 31 August 1998, the latest date for which figures are available, was 11,701. The requirement for specialist personnel in the Defence Forces is met through a combination of the training and education of newly recruited and serving Defence Force personnel and the induction of suitably qualified personnel through direct entry competitions. In addition, a number of suitably qualified non-commissioned personnel have recently been commissioned as air traffic control officers. It is also proposed to commission suitably qualified non-commissioned personnel to serve in the information technology area shortly. I propose to maintain a policy of continuous recruitment to fill vacancies as required.