In many companies, a CPL holder with no experience Multi-crew / low hours would be considered a cadet.
I don't know what criteria AL have put for the people applying their cadet schemes, however it would be good logic to also take low-houred CPL holders,
Aer Lingus Cadets are people with no licenses and next to no hours. People off the street that Aer Lingus consider would make good pilots.
Pilots with a CPL, MEIR and ATPL enter Aer Lingus via the DEFO route, regardless of experience, some enter with as low as 250 hours.