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20/08/2009
Military Cadet Places Over-Subscribed
A record number of people are seeking cadetships in the Defence Forces, according to new figures out today.
The recession appears to be causing the rise as the army and navy have received more than 1,600 applications for just 42 cadet positions, a 100% increase on the figure for last year.
One-quarter of the applications have come from college graduates.
The Defence Forces say similar levels of interest were seen during the last recession in the 1980s.
There are a very limited number of places on offer - but there was almost none at all - as only a recent government U-turn prevented the scheme being shelved.
The Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea announced last month that cadetship competitions for both the Army and Naval Service would be held after all.
This decision came after detailed discussions between the Minister for Defence and the Minister for Finance.
Minister O'Dea secured Government approval for the move despite cadet recruitment initially being suspended, because of the economy.
However, in July, the Minister said: "I am extremely pleased to be able to make this significant announcement.
"It follows lengthy discussions between myself and the Minister for Finance in this regard and it is a significant achievement in light of the current economic realities. Thirty army and twelve naval cadetships will be awarded."
See: 'U-Turn' On Military Cadetships
(BMcC/KMcA)
The recession appears to be causing the rise as the army and navy have received more than 1,600 applications for just 42 cadet positions, a 100% increase on the figure for last year.
One-quarter of the applications have come from college graduates.
The Defence Forces say similar levels of interest were seen during the last recession in the 1980s.
There are a very limited number of places on offer - but there was almost none at all - as only a recent government U-turn prevented the scheme being shelved.
The Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea announced last month that cadetship competitions for both the Army and Naval Service would be held after all.
This decision came after detailed discussions between the Minister for Defence and the Minister for Finance.
Minister O'Dea secured Government approval for the move despite cadet recruitment initially being suspended, because of the economy.
However, in July, the Minister said: "I am extremely pleased to be able to make this significant announcement.
"It follows lengthy discussions between myself and the Minister for Finance in this regard and it is a significant achievement in light of the current economic realities. Thirty army and twelve naval cadetships will be awarded."
See: 'U-Turn' On Military Cadetships
(BMcC/KMcA)
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Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Frequent, often heavy showers of rain, sleet and snow will affect most parts this evening and overnight, but are likely to be most frequent across the northeast. Minimum temperature -1 °C.
