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Air Corps

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 April 2026

Thursday, 23 April 2026

Questions (303)

Ken O'Flynn

Ken O'Flynn

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

303. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the approved establishment level for Air Corps pilots, aircrew, and technical personnel; the current staffing levels; and the variance between approved and actual strength. [29315/26]

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Written answers

Helen McEntee

Deputy Helen McEntee

The military authorities advise me that as of the 21st April 2026, there were 99 qualified pilots serving in the Air Corps which is 93% of establishment. The current air crew strength stood at 49 personnel or 68% of establishment while the total number of aircraft technicians numbered 161 or 50% of establishment. These figures include qualified personnel only and do not include a significant number of personnel in various stages of training.

To mitigate attrition and strengthen workforce stability, several measures are being implemented. In addition the Strategic Workforce Plan will provide a formal structured pathway to achieving and sustaining strength in numbers of Defence Force personnel.

Specific retention actions which have already been delivered, include:

• Significant progress on pay;

• The extension of the existing Service Commitment Scheme for Air Corps pilots, to Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel;

• An increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62;

• The extension of private healthcare to all ranks in the Defence Forces;

• Provision of fitness, training and sports facilities across its installations;

• Progress on the 2023-2027 Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) with the highest level of financial resources in the State’s history;

• The provision of excellent training and education opportunities;

• The implementation of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces, subject to certain exemptions.

In addition, Local Bargaining measures are being introduced to support initiatives for retention in key capability areas. 

I want to reassure the Deputy that prioritising the recruitment and retention of talented individuals across the entire Defence Forces is a priority and in an ever buoyant employment market, I want to see the Defence Forces as an employer of choice.

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