James Browne
Ceist:49. Deputy James Browne asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to fill important vacancies across the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7106/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 15 February 2017
Ceisteanna (49)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising of 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence.
The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services. As there is significant turnover of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force targeted recruitment takes place so as to maintain personnel numbers at or near the agreed strength levels.
I am informed that Air Corps personnel are an attractive employment source for other airlines and air service providers given their experience and training.
Every effort is being made to address the personnel requirements of the Defence Forces. In the case of the Air Corps, there are 28 cadets, in 3 classes, undergoing the various stages of the Air Corps cadetship to become pilots. There are currently 8 Air Corps cadets in the final stages of their training with commissioning of these cadets likely to take place in Quarter 4 of this year. In addition, a Cadet recruitment campaign is due to commence before the end of Quarter 1, 2017 with a view to the commencement of training in September 2017. Four personnel will complete their Air Traffic Control training between May and September this year. The Air Corps is currently inducting a further Air Traffic Control Course, and it is anticipated that up to eight (8) will be selected for training, qualifying in May 2018 and May 2019. A new NCO promotion competition, to fill the ranks of Sergeants and above, including those in the Air Corps, has been launched. It is anticipated that promotions from this competition will commence in Quarter 3 2017. The 2017 Air Corps Apprenticeship competition is due to commence shortly and it is planned that following this process, 25 new Air Corps apprentices will be inducted in late September 2017 to commence their training.