Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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102. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which young unemployed persons have been able to join the Defence Forces; if a specific programme exists in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40321/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The Defence Forces accept applications from all individuals who meet the requisite criteria for the various competitions that are advertised. There is no specific advertising or recruitment aimed at those who are unemployed. The Defence Forces require men and women from all backgrounds that possess a strong sense of duty, enjoy working as part of a team, and are looking for a rewarding yet challenging career.

The White Paper on Defence committed the Government to putting in place a new employment support scheme with the direct involvement of the Defence Forces. This was not intended to induct young unemployed personnel into the Defence Forces.

The objective of the employment support scheme, which involves a 10 week training programme, is to help to develop a path to economic independence for participants, aged between 18 and 24 years, who are at a serious disadvantage owing to their current socio-economic situation. It is designed with the specific aim of equipping participants with life and other marketable and certifiable skills which will assist them both in their capacity to participate fully in society as well as their ability to enter the workforce and or to pursue further education for this purpose.