Defence Forces Recruitment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 March 2019

Tuesday, 26 March 2019

Ceisteanna (125)

Declan Breathnach

Ceist:

125. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the use of competitions will be broadened for direct entry officers to include those with specialist dental, legal and other professional qualifications in order to fill such specialist vacancies within the Defence Forces as they arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12938/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Direct entry provision is utilised, for those with professional qualifications, for the recruitment of Medical Officers and Engineers. A working group, established in Q4 2018, is examining the scope for a wider application of direct entry as a method of recruitment.