Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 554: To ask the Minister for Defence if there will be cadetship recruitment in 2012; if so, the date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9143/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government has decided to accept my recommendations that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force will be maintained at 9,500. I believe that this is the optimum level required to fulfil all roles assigned by Government. I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 31 December, 2011, the latest date for which details are available, was 9,438 comprising 7,650 Army, 791 Air Corps and 997 Naval Service.

It is my intention that targeted recruitment will continue in 2012, within the resource envelope allocated to Defence, so as to maintain the Government approved strength of the Defence Forces.

I would expect that the question of a cadet class in 2012 will be considered in the context of the re-organisation of the Defence Forces now necessary to meet the operational requirements of the Defence Forces within the new establishment of 9,500. It is too early to confirm if there will be a cadet class this year.