Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

Would the Minister not agree that a reduction of 400 in Army personnel, from 8,433 to 8,036 from March 2009 to the end of April 2010, is worrying? Can he provide a reason for this major reduction? Is he aware that foreign military authorities, especially those in the Middle East, are now advertising in this country for aircraft expert technicians and army personnel? I understand this could be considered illegal. I was in contact with the Minister because I received a number of complaints about advertising. Is he aware of any of our personnel being lost to other countries, whether from the Middle East or elsewhere? Some of our national newspapers may not be aware that this is considered illegal under the 1954 Act. Has the Minister informed the editors of the various national newspapers this might be illegal? That would be very important.

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