Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will consider taking new recruits after leaving certificate and train them for six to eight weeks during the summer period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23358/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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As you are aware the Government introduced a moratorium on recruitment to the Public Service with effect from 27th March 2009. Within the available resources, the Government is however committed to maintaining the strength of the Defence Forces at a level of 10,000 all ranks, for which Government approval has been secured in the context of Budget 2010.

Targeted recruitment will be carried out in 2010 to maintain the operational capability of the Defence Forces. In this regard, I have recently approved the recruitment of 40 Recruits for the Naval Service. In addition, as I have already stated, the military authorities will shortly advertise for some limited recruitment to the Army.

In relation to the training of recruits for a six to eight week period following the Leaving Certificate, there is no scope for such a scheme as the minimum term of engagement for enlistment of recruits is 5 years. In addition recruit training is carried out over a 16 week period. Information in relation to recruitment may be found on the Defence Forces website, www.military.ie should candidates wish to apply for general service posts.