Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Air Corps has 33 vacancies. The initiative was recommended by military management. There is considerable support. Wherever the Deputy is getting his information, he is not getting the full picture. I can give him the full picture now. The recommissioned officers will be offered a short-service commission for a period of three years. In that period, they cannot compete for promotion, nor will they block a promotion opportunity for existing officers. Wherever the Deputy is getting his information, it is totally incorrect. I reiterate that the commissioned officers will not block promotional opportunities for other members of the Air Corps. They will be given a short-term commission of three years. After this period, the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General of the Department will examine the circumstances in the Air Corps.

I want to address the shortage of pilots. As the Deputy is well aware, there is a shortage of pilots across the world. Aer Lingus is looking for more, as are all other airlines. Anybody who wants to re-enter the organisation may do so through the Defence Forces or Department. An individual did come to me and I passed on his information to the Defence Forces. I understand that application is being processed. An applicant will be accepted only if fully licensed and fully trained. Those who want to recommence duty in the Air Corps are all fully trained by the Air Corps.

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