asked the Minister for Defence whether in view of the increase in the number of pilots required by Aer Lingus it is possible to increase the number of vacancies occurring in the Air Corps in order to create a pool of young pilots which would be available to the national air lines.

The number of vacancies that can be allotted for Cadetship in An tAer-Chór is limited by, inter alia, the number of training aircraft and flying instructors available.

In present circumstances it is not possible to increase the number of vacancies.

Does the Minister think it desirable that the Irish Air Corps should be used as a pool from which Aer Lingus should draw?

The Short Service Commission Scheme was framed with that in view.