Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank our guests for taking the time to come here. I wish to place on the record our thanks, as a committee, to the staff of the Defence Forces who have been so great at hosting us on our excursions over the last number of years. They have been incredibly informative and educational for us as a committee. I am sure that a huge amount of preparation goes into each visit by a committee. I am also quite sure that at times it would have been best if we did not visit because we can be a little bit awkward as quite a few of us like to go on these excursions.

I will start by asking some general questions on the commission on the future of the Defence Forces. The Chief of Staff has mentioned a new establishment figure of 11,500. Does he think that figure is sufficient?

Would the Chairman prefer if I just asked a few questions or that a few members make their contributions and the Chief of Staff could answer everything together?