Air Corps Recruitment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019

Tuesday, 23 July 2019

Ceisteanna (55)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

55. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps being taken to address the shortfall in the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32115/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The Government remains committed to maximising recruitment capacity in order to return to, and maintain, the agreed strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel.

In this context, applications for the following Air Corps specific recruitment campaigns are currently being progressed. In addition, a range of alternative recruitment approaches are being developed, aimed at addressing vacancies in specialist areas.

The recent report of the Public Service Pay Commission on recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces made recommendations that will impact on the Air Corps, for example the restoration of the Service Commitment Scheme for pilots and the review of technical pay arrangements have been prioritised for immediate action in the associated implementation plan.

Question No. 56 answered with Question No. 51.