269. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Defence the annual intake and complete number for the Air Corps Pilot and Technical Training Programme for each of the past three years; and whether current training capacity aligns with projected staffing requirements under the Equipment Development Plan. [45748/26]

I am advised by the military authorities that the number of personnel inducted to, and who completed pilot training in, the Air Corps in each year, 2021-25 is as follows:

I am further advised that the number of personnel inducted to, and who completed aircraft technician training, in the Air Corps in each year, 2021-25 is as follows:

The Defence Forces have advised me that training capacity aligns with the current Equipment Development Plan.

Concerted efforts continue to be made regarding recruitment to the Air Corps. General Service recruitment remains open and ongoing. In 2025, a total of 60 General Service Recruits were inducted to the Air Corps, in comparison to 46 during 2024. As of the 31 May 2026, there have been 25 further inductions of General Service Recruits to the Air Corps and 1 re-enlistment. A new competition for Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) launched recently while new competitions for Direct Entry Air Traffic Controllers and Aerospace Technicians are being progressed. The 2026 cadetship competition closed for applications in March with over 800 applications received for the Pilot and Air Traffic Controller cadet streams respectively.