Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to reassure the Deputy that the manpower requirements of the Permanent Defence Force are monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of the three services. Personnel are posted on the basis of operational need across the organisation at home and abroad. As there is a significant turnover of personnel in the Defence Forces, targeted recruitment takes place on a regular basis so as to maintain personnel numbers at or near agreed strength levels.

As with other areas of the public service, challenges have arisen in respect of the recruitment and retention of personnel in particular areas of expertise. The Air Corps has experienced retirements of highly experienced personnel and these retirements are outstripping the recruitment and training of replacement personnel. The loss of experienced personnel is driven by a range of factors, including the availability of attractive job opportunities in the wider economy. The loss of experienced personnel, including a shortage of experienced pilots, has impacted on the availability of Air Corps services. There are currently restrictions also on air traffic control, ATC, services in Baldonnel.

Every effort is being made to address the personnel requirements of the Air Corps. Actions are underway to return a full level of air traffic control services to the Air Corps. ATC training is taking place and options to ensure the longer-term sustainability of ATC services in Baldonnel are being identified by an ATC working group. These measures will facilitate a gradual extension of operational hours for air traffic control services in Baldonnel this year as newly qualified personnel develop their expertise, with an anticipated return to a full 24-7 service in early 2018.

Regarding pilot retention, the implementation of a range of proposals, including professional and personal development, working environment, operational deployments, career advancement and terms and conditions designed to enhance retention of serving Air Corps pilots are being advanced by a civil military working group. In addition, the potential to attract back personnel who may have left the service is also being examined.

A range of other measures is also being pursued, including increased numbers of pilot cadets in training. A cadet recruitment campaign is underway. A number of personnel will complete ATC training between May and September and a further ATC course is being inducted. Promotions, including NCO vacancies in the Air Corps, will be filled from the recently launched NCO promotion competition. While these initiatives are underway, realistically it will take some time for a return to previous levels of capability in the Air Corps.

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