Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2015
325. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Defence the specific roles and positions the 12 new recruits at Custume Barracks in Athlone, County Westmeath have been assigned to since their posting; if and when more recruits will be posted to the barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6049/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2014 a total of 12 Private Soldiers who had completed their initial recruit training in other Defence Forces locations were posted to Units located within Custume Barracks in order to maintain Unit strengths and operational capability. These 12 personnel are currently undergoing further 2 and 3 star training outside of Custume Bks. This training is due to be completed in March 2015 at which time they will report for duties with their parent Units in Custume Barracks. These personnel will fulfil the duties of Private Soldiers and Artillery Gunners.
I am advised that at present there is a Recruit Platoon of 30 personnel (increased by 1 since my response to PQ 1308/15 of 14 January 2015) in training in Custume Barracks, Athlone. They are due to complete their initial training in early March this year and will be assigned to Units across the Defence Forces on an as required basis in order to maintain Unit strengths and operational capability. They will also go on to a period of further 2 and 3 star training prior to reporting for duties with their parent Units.
