Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 2

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Recruitment.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

268 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Defence the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath, who was found fit for service in the Permanent Defence Force, has not been enlisted; the reason this person received a telephone call on the evening before the date for enlistment indicating that this person has a medical problem; the nature of the problem identified; if this person will be called for enlistment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22340/01]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith):

The day to day administration of recruitment in the Defence Forces is the responsibility of the Chief of Staff. In relation to this particular case I have been advised by the military authorities that the person named does not satisfy the requirements for enlistment in the Defence Forces and that the letter issued on 18 September 2001 was issued in error. As soon as the error came to notice, that is, on 23 September 2001, the person was contacted by telephone and the letter was withdrawn. I understand that the difficulty with the application for enlistment has been fully explained to the individual concerned.

It is a matter of regret to me that an error of this type should arise. I have asked the military authorities to review their procedure to eliminate any further occurrences of this nature.