Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The day-to-day administration of recruitment in the Defence Forces is the responsibility of the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces. I am informed by the military authorities that the Army equitation school has an establishment strength of 34, all ranks. Vacancies exist for two non-commissioned officers and ten privates, or grooms. As no serving personnel are available to fill these vacancies, arrangements are under way to fill them by means of direct recruitment. The equitation school has conducted interviews to establish the suitability of applicants to serve as grooms. The normal intake procedures, including medical screening, physical training tests and security clearance, are ongoing with a view to placing successful candidates on a panel for enlistment in the Defence Forces as privates, or grooms, in the Army equitation school.

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