Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

The Minister has more or less accepted that the continued extension of the recruitment and promotions ban is affecting the operational efficiency of the organisation to some extent. He is no doubt aware that staff are acting up to a level for which they are not qualified. The services are being carried out on a must-do basis because of legal and personnel requirements. The operational efficiency of the organisation is currently affected. Those persons who were due for promotion before the moratorium should be entitled to be promoted.

Did the Minister indicate that there would be a recruitment drive for the Permanent Defence Forces next year, and that he would get that concession to make up for the approximately 500 members he has lost to date?

See this speech in context