doctordoom, as boogie-nicey and others have said, things can change very quickly.
I have heard that recruitment is on hold until the first quarter next year.
Only a rumour of course, and things change weekly!
Have also heard from a different source that the pay deal has changed, for the better, in that one does receive payment during line training, which is a big help. Haven't got figures, but what I heard does tie in with what ballyboley said.
At the end of the day, FR have a few €€ in the bank, new aircraft on order/arriving and the potential to see out a depression. A nice position to be in!
Whilst many say the T's & C's may not be the best, in the current climate, flying a new jet for FR, and being paid a reasonable amount wouldn't seem like a bad option...