Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

The issue was not referred to by the Minister in his speech, but there was an informal press gathering and the Minister responded to a suggestion from PDFORRA that the Defence Forces strength be increased by 1,000. He made it clear that there would be no immediate revision of the Permanent Defence Force, PDF, numbers. It is Government policy that the current strength of 10,000 is sufficient to meet all militarily needs. The Minister pointed out, however, that a review of Government policy on strengths might be included as part of the preparation of a new White Paper. An Agreed Programme for Government contained a commitment to the preparation of a new White Paper on Defence for the period 2011-2020. It can be expected that this White Paper will review the defence and security environment and the role and capability of the Army, Naval Service, Air Corps and reserves. That is the focus on which the Minister and I should like to concentrate. All of these issues can be looked at in the new White Paper. We are satisfied that we have adequate personnel at the moment, approximately 8,400 in the Army, 850 in the Air Corps and 1,068 in the Naval Service. We maintain that these figures are adequate while saying that the position can be reviewed in the new White Paper.

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