Sorca Clarke
Ceist:182. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of qualified avionics technicians and cadet pilots in training currently within the Air Corps. [6213/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 13 February 2024
Ceisteanna (182)
Freagraí scríofa
It has not been possible to collate the required information within the timeframe available. I shall provide the information to the Deputy once it becomes available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to the above-referenced Parliamentary Question and my original reply stating that it was not possible to provide the required information within the timeframe available. I am now in a position to do so. I am advised by the military authorities that, as of 19 February 2024, there are 89 qualified military pilots. In addition there are 29 trainee pilots made up of 17 cadets completing military training which is required before they commence their Pilot Wings course, and a further 12 officers undertaking pilot training.
As of the same date, there are 154 qualified Military Aircraft Technicians (MATs). Included in these figures are 27 qualified Military Avionics Technicians.
There are currently 59 Military Aircraft Technicians in training, some of whom will be assigned as Military Avionics Technicians. Military Aircraft Technicians qualify from an Air Corps apprenticeship/traineeship, or are direct entrants deemed to have the appropriate qualifications to work on aircraft in the various maintenance roles. Personnel in these roles cover the broad range of disciplines within the Air Corps e.g. avionics technicians, aircraft mechanics, crew leaders, and aircraft inspectors.
All MATs are employed in the maintenance of aircraft. At any one time, they may be employed in any of the broad range of maintenance disciplines, be in training, or serving overseas. As outlined above, the total number of qualified MATs is therefore inclusive of those who may be assigned to avionics duties, or any of the other disciplines, at any one time.
In addition to the work carried out by the MAT's, the military authorities have further advised that aircraft maintenance is also augmented by contracted technicians who provide support within the Air Corps, and the outsourcing of aspects of aircraft maintenance through a number of external contracts
The military authorities have advised that, due to an error, 2 entries differ from the details provided previously to Deputy C. Murphy in Parliamentary Question 1288/24 of 17 January 2024. The table below details these variances.
|
Provided in PQ 1288/24 |
Corrected Data included in PQ 6213/24 |
||
|
Stream |
Total |
Stream |
Total |
|
Technicians |
167 |
Technicians |
154 |
|
Avionics |
24 |
Avionics |
27 |