Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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110. To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which he expects the strength and capacity of the Air Corps to develop in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35127/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Government are committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Air Corps at the agreed establishment figure of 886. The current strength of the Air Corps (as of the 31st of August, 2015) is 726 whole time equivalent positions. I am informed by the military authorities that 10 Air Corps cadets have been inducted to date this year and that 25 Air Corps apprentices will be enlisted on the 14th October, 2015. I am informed by the military authorities that recruitment will continue into 2016 to maintain the overall strength of the Air Corps at or close to 886. The overall policy approach, within the resources available, is to retain the capacity of the Air Corps to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks assigned to it by Government.

The recently published White Paper on Defence sets out the capability requirements for the Defence Forces over the next ten years The principal aim in respect of the Air Corps will be to ensure that it continues to retain the capabilities to undertake the required military operations and to deliver a broad range of air supports to other Government Departments and agencies in line with Memoranda of Understanding and Service Level Agreements. In addition, the White Paper sets out that the development of a radar surveillance capability is a priority for the Air Corps in the event that additional funding, beyond that required to maintain existing capabilities, becomes available.