Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

It is not helpful or positive to have a fixation on numbers regarding the strength of the Defence Forces. It would be far better for the Defence Forces and their capability if we were to concentrate on that capability to do the job effectively. One factor that must be acknowledged is that with smaller numbers both the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have a considerably greater output than was the case heretofore. That said, the sensible way to approach the issue of recruitment is to look very carefully at all the various sectors and target recruitment to those areas where it is immediately required.

The drop in numbers was driven to a large extent by the economic situation, in the first instance, and also by the recommendations of the McCarthy report which recommended a particular reduction in numbers. I have seen no evidence that the reduction in numbers has been impacted on in any way by former Army, Navy or Air Corps personnel being recruited by other armies. I can have that checked out further but am not aware of it at this point.

See this speech in context