Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

The Government remains supportive of the Defence Forces and their personnel. The modernisation delivered by the defence organisation has been acknowledged. The defence organisation differs from other areas of the public service in having decreased in size. The Defence Forces remain modern and effective and it is intended to retain the operational capacity of the organisation across all its roles. At the same time, the defence organisation must contribute to the correction of the public finances.

I am aware of the impact that measures such as a moratorium on recruitment, promotion and acting appointments are having on the Defence Forces in the light of the very high turnover rate that is part of any military organisation. However, the moratorium is a crucial part of the Government's approach to bringing public expenditure back into balance. In the light of the exaggerated impact of the measures on the Defence Forces, however, certain targeted exceptions are being sought to the measures. These limited exceptions are targeted at maintaining the operational capability and command arrangements of the Permanent Defence Forces. There has been very close consultation with the Chief of Staff at all stages.

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