Vol. 498 No. 2
99 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) 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]
105 Mr. Perry 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]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 105 together.
The strength of the Permanent Defence Force on 31 October 1998, the latest date for which figures are available, was 11,640. As of 31 October 1998, the strength of the first line reserve was 505; the strength of the FCÁ was 13,887 and the strength of Slua Muirí was 344.
The requirement for specialist personnel in the Defence Forces is met through a combination of the training and education of 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. Proposals for the commissioning of a number of non-commissioned personnel as electrical engineer officers in the Naval Service are also under consideration at present.
I propose to maintain a policy of continuous recruitment to fill vacancies as required.
100 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the number of recruits accepted into the Defence Forces from January 1998 to November 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26830/98]
A total of 659 recruits were enlisted in the Permanent Defence Force between January and November 1998, 576 in the Army and 83 in the Naval Service. I propose to maintain a policy of continuous recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force.
