Defence Forces Recruitment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 December 2018

Wednesday, 19 December 2018

Ceisteanna (92, 93)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

92. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a new recruitment campaign for the Naval Service and Air Corps will occur early in 2019. [53539/18]

Clare Daly

Ceist:

93. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a new recruitment campaign for pilots and air traffic controllers will commence early in 2019. [53549/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 93 together.

I recently met with senior civil and military officials to review recruitment plans for 2019. Subject to further consideration, it is envisaged that similar recruitment competitions to those held this year will take place in 2019.

The Government remains committed to on-going recruitment to the Defence Forces to reach the establishment level of 9,500 personnel as set out in the White Paper on Defence 2015.