Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

For security and operational reasons it has not been military practice to publish exact details of the establishment or actual strength of the ARW. There is merit in sticking to that position. It is critical that the high standards required for entry into the unit are maintained. However, the unit and operation staff review entry standards on an ongoing basis. Regarding the numbers, following the ARW deployment in Liberia there was a significant increase in the number of applicants as a result of the positive exposure to other PDF personnel. A constant interest is displayed by personnel on entry standards to the ARW. In the past two years the number of applicants presenting for the selection course has decreased and this may be attributed to increased opportunities available to soldiers serving overseas.

The Deputy is right to highlight that this is an elite group with very high standards. We are certainly interested in continuing to promote the need to maintain the standards and numbers of this elite corps.

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