Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
72. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of female pilots in the Air Corps; the number of female pilots in training; the number of female air traffic controllers in the Air Corps; the number of females in training to become air traffic controllers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32895/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy has been provided by the military authorities and is set out in the following table:
|
Category |
Number of female personnel |
|
Pilots |
0 |
|
Pilots in Training |
1 |
|
Air traffic controllers |
2 |
|
Trainee air traffic controllers |
0 |
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.
