Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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467. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of fully qualified air traffic controllers within the Air Corps; and the average length of time it takes to qualify as an air traffic controller. [12709/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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For reasons of operational security, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the current strength of Air Traffic Controllers within the Air Corps.

The average length of time it takes to qualify as an air traffic controller can vary. Enlisted ranks may not be required to complete Radar training and so, on completion of Aerodrome (Tower) training, are classified as qualified ATC controllers. This training takes on average 12 – 18 months. Officers must successfully complete both Aerodrome (Tower) and Radar Training which takes 3.5 years approximately.