Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

Does the Minister of State have the establishment figure for the ARW? I understand that five people left the wing this year and have not been replaced. Last year 100 people applied to join the Army ranger wing. Eventually approximately three were recruited. However, this year only 15 people applied and no course has taken place. Obviously if five people left this year and there is natural wastage it is clear that the Army ranger wing numbers will be depleted. Would the Minister of State agree that this is the elite wing of our Army? If we agree to go to Chad the ARW will be the forerunner of the main mission and will prepare the ground. They are highly trained and as good as any in the world. They can parachute and dive. They are medics and all-rounders. It is important that this wing of the Army is maintained at its present level and people should be encouraged to join. If the Minister of State can give me the figures, he might also be able to explain why there has been a fall-off in numbers and people are not applying to join the rangers.

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