asked the Minister for Defence if he will indicate the duties of apprentices in the Air Corps at Baldonnel, apart from attendance at technical training; and whether these duties include work not directly related to such training, such as the cleaning of floors, et cetera.

Apart from technical training, Air Corps apprentices receive military and physical training. This involves, among other things, participation in parades, games and athletics. In the interests of good order and discipline they are also required to perform certain duties common to all enlisted personnel such as making their beds, cleaning their billets and classrooms, lighting fires et cetera.

25.

asked the Minister for Defence whether he is satisfied with the teaching facilities and equipment available to apprentices in the Air Corps at Baldonnel; whether they are of the highest modern standard; and, if not, what steps he is taking to modernise them.

The whole question of the training of apprentices in the Air Corps has been examined by a board of officers appointed by the Chief of Staff. As a result of its examination the board has recommended a number of changes which they considered necessary in order to bring the training into line with training procedures laid down by An Chomhairle Oiliúna. The question of implementing these changes is at present under consideration in consultation with An Chomhairle.

I should mention, however, that the board stressed that the changes recommended were not in any way to be regarded as a criticism of the apprenticeship scheme as now operated. They pointed out that this scheme has resulted in the production of very satisfactory tradesmen who, over the past 30 years, have successfully maintained aircraft not only in the Air Corps but in many civil airlines where they were employed after completion of their Air Corps service.

Could the Minister give us any indication of the kind of training craft these apprentices are at present working on?

I was not asked that question and I have not got that information on the file.

In fairness to the Air Corps, is it not true to say that, whatever the limitations may be, they have produced a first-class product from this apprentice school?

That is correct and that has been the position all the time.