Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will address Deputy McLoughlin's question. He is important. We will be recruiting almost 900 new recruits to the Permanent Defence Force this year. I assure Deputy McLoughlin that all funding is in place to realise a strength of 9,500 personnel. The campaign was launched recently. Thus far, more than 5,000 people have applied for the Permanent Defence Force. That figure includes all strands.

As was outlined to the committee last year, more than 5,000 people applied for the Naval Service, the Air Corps and the Army cadetship. That will be opened up over the next number of weeks. It is my intention that we will recruit up to 900 people this year.