Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Pat Carey. I had hoped he would be here as Minister for Defence. I am disappointed the Taoiseach, who has now assumed responsibility for the Ministry for Defence, is not present to take questions. He is now acting Minister for Defence and should be here to answer some very important questions. I hope sincerely the Minister of State, Deputy Pat Carey, will be here as Minister for Defence at our next Question Time.

I am glad the Minister of State has confirmed the new authorised strength of the Defence Forces is 10,000. It is very important that the strength be maintained at this level. Considering that it has been confirmed by the Government and Department of Finance, should it not be open to the Defence Forces to commence recruitment immediately to maintain a strength of 10,000? Surely no moratorium should apply to recruitment to and promotion within the Defence Forces.

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