Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I agree with the Deputy. The strength of 10,500 as stipulated in the White Paper was determined after a good deal of analysis of all the relevant factors. This included a programme of reform and reorganisation to ensure "that Ireland has a world class military organisation". I am satisfied the Defence Forces have the capacity to deal with the changes that have taken place in the defence and security environment since the publication of the White Paper. I have been very fortunate as a Minister of State in various areas, in particular to have experienced the work the Defence Forces do abroad. The White Paper provides for the allocation of up to 850 members of the Permanent Defence Force to be deployed overseas at any one time. While this may be exceeded for short periods, deployment above this level is not sustainable on an ongoing basis within existing resources.

We have had a good discussion on Chad and if we get to it, there may be further discussion. Any commitments to an EU or UN mission will be met within this context. It is important to maintain the high standard and fantastic quality of the work we do. It is best to do this with the types of numbers we have provided for. At present, some 460 members of the Permanent Defence Force are deployed overseas. Clearly, that will increase if we become involved in Chad, as I hope we will. Certainly, we will look at this issue in the context of the next White Paper.

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