Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

I welcome the fact that the Minister has confirmed that promotions will take place within the Defence Forces and that the moratorium does not affect promotions. As the Permanent Defence Force is a hierarchical organisation promotions are very important in the chain of command.

Given that approximately 350 members of the Defence Forces will retire this year and others, because of uncertainty regarding taxation of the retirement gratuity, may retire before their time, there will be an outflow of people from the Permanent Defence Force. This will affect our capacity to carry out overseas missions and other duties. The Minister has lifted the moratorium on recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force. Why can he not do the same for the Permanent Defence Force? Why can those who will leave the Defence Forces this year not be replaced?

Young blood is particularly essential for the Defence Forces. It is important that young, energetic and fit people are recruited. Otherwise the force could go stale.

I am glad the Minister clarified the matter of promotion. In the interest of the Defence Forces and their future, can he give a commitment that, at the very least, those who leave the Defence Forces will be replaced?

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