Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Within the available resources, the Government is committed to maintaining the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at a level of 10,000 all ranks, for which Government approval has been secured in the context of budget 2010. This reflects the reductions in personnel recommended in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes.

I am advised by the military authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as at 31 March 2010, the latest date for which figures are available, was 9,877 and I have already provided the details of those figures.

The now approved strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 10,000 represents a reduction of 500 over the previous approved strength. Officials from the Department are continuing to engage with the military authorities on a review of structures and posts required to meet the operational requirements of the Defence Forces in light of the Government decision to maintain a complement of 10,000 personnel. This review is expected to be completed before the end of next month. Following on from this review, discussions will commence with the Department of Finance to agree an overall structure for the Defence Forces, which is sustainable within a figure of 10,000 serving personnel in the Permanent Defence Force.

Since the review is not yet completed it is not possible to comment on the nature of cost implications resulting from it and its implementation. I am glad to say that while these are challenging times, the Defence Forces have risen to the challenge and are organised, equipped and staffed in a manner which will ensure that they can continue to deliver the services required of them by Government. I am advised that at this time the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.

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