Denis Naughten
Ceist:79. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the number of vacant posts within the bomb disposal units in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41150/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 November 2015
Ceisteanna (79)
Freagraí scríofa
Explosive Ordnance Disposal is the military term used to refer to what is commonly called ‘bomb disposal’. Explosive Ordnance Disposal is also a task assigned to the Defence Forces by Government and is provided in Aid to the Civil Power. Within the Defence Forces, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal function is assigned to the Ordnance Corps.
I am informed by the military authorities that there are a number of vacancies within the Ordnance Corps at present. However, the Defence Forces do not disclose the exact number of vacancies in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit as this information is operationally sensitive. That said, I can advise the Deputy that I am assured by the Chief of Staff that he has the necessary resources to undertake all roles assigned by Government, including Explosive Ordnance Disposal. In addition, the number of callouts has fallen significantly over the past three years from 250 callouts in 2013 to 126 to date in 2015.
While a number of Ordnance Officers have left the Defence Forces over the past 12 months to pursue professional opportunities outside of the Defence Forces, new staff are currently being recruited to the Ordnance Corps and a number of officers are currently undergoing the requisite training programme to fill current vacancies. A planned programme of ongoing recruitment and training of Ordnance Officers to address current and future vacancies is also being put in place.