5 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Defence if cadets from other countries will receive training in the Military College; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11278/97]

A total of ten Zambian Army cadets are currently receiving training in the Military College. These cadets commenced their training on 2 October 1995 and will complete their course on 7 July 1997.

There are no plans at present to accept further Zambian cadets or indeed cadets of any other nationality for training in the Military College.

Is there any reason candidates from African countries are not being taken on for training at the military school?

The Zambian nationals were accepted on the cadet course in response to a request from the Zambian Government. There is a formal agreement between the Irish and Zambian Governments in regard to the training of Zambian nationals in Ireland. Between 1967 and 1973, four groups of Zambian cadets were trained under the terms of this agreement. The Zambian cadets are being trained here because, first, we were requested to do so by the Zambian Government and, second, there is a formal agreement in place. The Zambian Government is paying the cost of the cadets undergoing the course. If there are other agreements we can enter into, and if our highly skilled Defence Forces personnel can help African countries, we will be prepared to consider any request.

I am glad to hear the Minister say that. I wanted to establish whether applications from other African countries to have their cadets trained here would be favourably looked upon by the Government.