Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister for the information contained in his briefing. Will he confirm that this is the first occasion on which the moneys committed for augmenting the Defence Forces have been retained as compared with previous years? I am glad to hear it has retained been this year at least but I would like to confirm if this is the first year that has been done.

On this year's efforts at recruitment, how many have joined and how many have left? Is it possible to get some analysis of the existing pension book as the Minister prepares for the commission? I am sure it might be available to the Minister. It would be helpful to see the configuration of the age profile and some reasoning behind members of the Defence Forces having left prematurely. That would ensure the commission is properly informed and in a position to address the issues that members within the Defence Forces are most anxious to address.