Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
288. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Defence for an update on the training and recruitment of Military air traffic controllers; whether an external recruitment campaign is planned; and, if so, when it is expected to be launched; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4249/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Defence Forces 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 an establishment of 886 personnel.
I am also advised that the Air Corps currently has five (5) personnel in training in Air Traffic Services. These comprise 3 personnel conducting the final stages of their ATC training in Baldonnel and this cohort are due to qualify as Air Traffic Controllers in May, 2026, subject to the successful completion of their course.
A further 2 personnel have recently completed their initial military training in the Cadet School, and are now in engaged in their ATC training course with a graduation date of circa May 2027, subject the successful completion of their course of training.
Recruitment to the Air Corps remains ongoing via a General Service recruitment (GSR) competition. Last year saw the induction of 60 recruits to the Air Corps which is the highest figure since the introduction of an Air Corps specific GSR competition in 2022 . Cadetship competitions for Pilots and Air Traffic Controller cadets were successfully concluded last year with the induction of 7 and 3 personnel respectively and it is anticipated that the 2026 competition will launch in the next number of weeks. A new competition for Aircraft Maintenance Technicians closed for applications last July and resulted in 8 inductions in October and it is expected that the 2026 competition will launch in the first half of the year. In relation to recruitment to Air Traffic Services, a competition for Direct Entry Air Traffic Controllers is being progressed by my officials and the Defence Forces.
