Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

81. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to recruit personnel to the Permanent Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40057/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There are significant recruitment opportunities available in the Permanent Defence Force, at both enlisted and officer level, for eligible individuals who wish to have a rewarding and positive career in service to the State. General service recruitment campaigns, an officer cadetship competition, a competition for Air Corps apprentices and a competition for instrumentalists in the DF School of Music were all undertaken in 2018.

In addition, the Defence Forces Medical Corps are currently accepting applications from suitably qualified medical doctors and the Naval Service has a number of opportunities for Bridge Watch-keeping Officers (Operations Branch), Marine Engineering Officers and Electrical Engineer Officers.

Arising from the general service recruitment campaign held earlier this year, new recruits are being inducted between September and November. The 95th Cadet Class of 85 recruits was inducted on the 24th September.

A second general service recruitment campaign was launched on 10 September 2018 and will close on 7 October 2018. This will provide recruits for Q1/Q2 of 2019.

The position will be reviewed towards the end of 2018 and recruitment plans for 2019 will then be finalised.