Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
285. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence given the Air Corps 101 Squadron operate Airbus 295W Maritime Surveillance Aircraft, the number of staff vacancies for radar operators; the actual staffing levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4150/26]
View answerThe Defence Forces have advised that the strength of the Air Corps as at 31 December 2025, the latest date for which this figure is available, stood at 742 personnel out of the establishment of 886 personnel.
Recruitment to the Air Corps remains ongoing via a General Service recruitment competition. Last year saw the induction of 60 recruits to the Air Corps. Cadetship competitions for Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers were successfully concluded and it is anticipated that the 2026 competition will launch in the next number of weeks. In addition, a new competition for Aircraft Maintenance Technicians ran during July of last year and culminated in the induction of 8 personnel in October and it is anticipated that a new competition will launch in the coming months.
In relation to the Air Corps 101 Squadron specifically, I am advised that the 101 Squadron utilises the skills of trained sensor and airborne radar operators (SAROs) as a part of the crew on the two Airbus C-295 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft operated by the Air Corps for Maritime Defence and Security Operations. Routine Human Resource and Training processes are in progress in 101 Sqn to replace any existing vacancies. The establishment of the Squadron is also currently under review as part of the Force Design process currently in progress, with a view to enhanced capabilities under Level of Ambition 2. Specific details on current staffing levels in operational Squadrons of the Air Corps are not released for operational security reasons. I am therefore not in a position to provide specific details to the Deputy.
