Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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238. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of pilots who applied to re-enter the Air Corps; the number of applications approved; the number refused; the number awaiting a decision; the number under appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46795/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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A Recommissioning Scheme was introduced in 2019 to target particular capability gaps of a specialised or technical nature, where vacancies exist. 

Defence Force Regulation CS4 governs the number of personnel allowable at each rank across the Defence Forces. All appointments must be made within the regulatory limits.

Therefore, in determining candidates for recommissioning, the recommendation to the Minister is informed by the recommendation of the Chief of Staff, the specific capability gaps in the PDF and particular streams, the ability of the candidate(s) to fill such specialised capability gaps, and the strength figures for the rank in question.

The scheme has had a noticeable impact in quickly restoring pilot capacity in the Air Corps with 15 pilots re-commissioned.

The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the table below:

I appreciate the interest expressed by former officers in this scheme.