asked the Minister for Defence if he will state (a) the number of apprentices recruited to the Air Corps each year since 1936; (b) the number of such apprentices who, having completed their nine years' course, left the Air Corps.

(a) The number of apprentices recruited to the Air Corps each year since 1936 is as follows:—

(b) The number of such apprentices who, having completed their nine years' course, left the Air Corps is 50.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the number of apprentices who, having left the Army Air Corps after completing their nine years' course, have (1) applied to Aer Lingus, Teoranta, for employment; (2) have obtained such employment.

My inquiries in this matter are not yet complete and I would request the Deputy to repeat the question in two weeks' time.