Yes, the company have written to the cadets asking if they would be willing to return. How many actually return is still up for debate. It's been a while since they were chopped, and by now alot would have settled elsewhere. The number of approx 50 pilots is correct, and that is due to the delivery of the A330's and another A320. I would say this is just the tip of the iceberg over the next few years. At the moment the airline is undercrewed and max duty hours are being reached on a regular basis. Hire-ins are a regular occurrence at the moment, due lack of crew or aircraft.
As regard a cadet scheme, I wouldn't count on that for a while, if any. The company needs pilots now, not tomorrow. It's far cheaper to hire a direct entry pilot (preferably type rated) rather than wait 18 months to get a cadet on line. As regard 'unofficial protectionism' , or being keen to hire Irish - er don't think so. Being Irish doesn't make you any better at the job or any more committed to Aer Lingus. They will want people who are competent and able to fit in.
Any new comer's will be on the same T & C's. Despite the company stating in the press recently, that all new entrants (not just pilots) will be on a defined contribution scheme. Mr Mannion has been told quite blunty that the pilots will walk the walk around the airport if he tries that stunt with the pilots. Unlike BALPA, IALPA has the forsight to realise the stupidity of caving in on the pension issue. By looking after new entrants, IALPA is ensuring that it remains one of the best.