Gabrielle McFadden (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for running out on Dr. Mellett earlier. I have not yet managed the art of bilocation. I do not know if Dr. Mellett already answered these questions when I was not present in the committee room. I have two supplementary questions from when I spoke earlier. One was on the current figure.

I agree completely with the point made by Dr. Mellett about focusing on retention. The figure is 9,500. Where exactly are we as of today with that figure of 9,500? Dr. Mellett may have answered that question when I was gone.

Earlier, I asked how Dr. Mellett reckons the so-called new structure is working. Many soldiers I talk to tell me it is not working and has made their lives difficult. If Dr. Mellett could change it, what would he do? What would the ideal situation be?