Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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83. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 55 of 10 March 2022, the reason that inductions are so low given the number of applications; if he will provide a comprehensive breakdown for the reasons for refusal in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15280/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the military authorities that for counties Cavan and Monaghan the number of total inductions as a percentage of total applications is in line with the national rate, which is 7% per annum for the five years in question. The Defence Forces do not collate reasons for unsuccessful applications on a county by county basis.

As outlined in reply to question No 55 of 10 March 2022, applicants do not progress their applications, for a number of reasons e.g.

- Not having the required qualifications or not forwarding proof of such qualifications.

- Not attending, or being unsuccessful, at the various induction stages. (For applicants who do not show for a stage of the induction process, the Defence Forces remain proactive in attempting to re-arrange times etc.)

- Not obtaining Garda security clearance

In addition, a number would also fail on meeting the eligibility requirements for competitions e.g. medical standards and fitness requirements.

The Defence Forces remain committed to optimising the number of personnel to be inducted in 2022 with the targeting of General Service Recruits, Cadets, Air Corps Apprentice Aircraft Technicians and specialists for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service.