Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The Government introduced a moratorium on recruitment to the public service with effect from 27 March 2009. In this context and given the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, all recruitment to the Defence Forces, which includes both the Reserve Defence Force and the cadets, has been suspended for the present. The moratorium and the reduction in the pay budget were introduced as a cost saving measure to achieve necessary savings in the pay bill in the public sector. These savings will have to be achieved.

However, the implementation of the moratorium will require careful management. I have asked my officials, in consultation with the military authorities, to review all of the implications of the moratorium for the defence organisation and to identify any key priority issues that may require further consideration. My officials will also be working closely with officials from the Department of Finance. My objective is to ensure that the moratorium is managed in a manner that meets the Government's objectives and ensures the best outcome possible for the defence organisation as a whole. I assure the House that any recruitment in 2009 will prioritise the operational requirements of the Defence Forces.

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