Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Deenihan for his good wishes. I have been asked to respond to these questions and I will do so to the best of my ability.

The Government is committed to maintaining the strength of the Defence Forces at the level outlined. As Deputy Deenihan will know, a review of Defence Forces' structures is under way and it will inform the timing of the recruitment campaign. The Government is committed to the recruitment campaign for 2010. The question of whether there will be a cadet competition and an apprenticeship competition has not yet been decided but planning for the process is under way. I assure the Deputy everything will be done to ensure this is done as quickly as possible within the constraints every other part of the public service operates under.

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