Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
52. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if additional air traffic controllers and pilots will be recruited for the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32859/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe White Paper on Defence recognises that continuous recruitment is the lifeblood of the Defence Forces. To achieve this there is significant on-going recruitment to ensure that the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) can deliver all operational outputs required by government both at home and overseas.
I can assure the Deputy that recruitment of Air Corps Flying Officer cadets has occurred and will continue to occur. I am advised by the Military Authorities that of the 2,153 applications received for the recent 2018 Officer Cadetships competition, 582 were for the Air Corp. These applications are currently being processed with a view to inducting new Air Corps Cadets in September 2018.
Actions are also underway to increase the number of qualified ATC personnel in the Air Corps. There are a number of personnel currently undertaking ATC training and similar training is planned for 2019. Options to ensure the longer term sustainability of ATC services in Baldonnel are being identified by a joint civil military Air Traffic Control Working Group. In February of this year, four military ATC enlisted personnel were commissioned as officers to fill 1 Captain and 3 Lieutenant ATC vacancies.
In addition to availing of traditional recruitment methods to address vacancies in specialist positions, I have directed my officials to develop proposals for the re-entry of suitably qualified former members of the PDF and for expanding direct entry for suitable posts.
