Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I am certain and satisfied the system is in place to train personnel to maintain the Army at its present level. However, to avoid misunderstandings arising regarding the figure of 350, recruitment to the Army is ongoing. For example, the number who applied to be enlisted in 2004 was just short of 2,000. The corresponding figures for 2005, 2006 and 2007 were 1,125, nearly 2,500 and approximately 2,200, respectively. Obviously, only approximately 20% of such applications are successful.

I will clarify the figure of 350. We have permission to have an army of 8,426 personnel. The figure of 350 constitutes a kind of overdraft facility that allows for up to 350 in training, which enables us to exceed the overall number, if deemed necessary. For example, one could anticipate a number of retirements. This constitutes an additional facility to maintain the Army at the strength as set out in the White Paper and I will ensure it takes effect from 1 January 2008.

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