Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Deputy O'Shea raises a very important question. It impacts on the kind of recruitment campaign one might carry out, especially if there was an indication that people were leaving in large numbers from a particular segment and one would have to try to replace them in that area. One factor that has become apparent - I am not clear whether it is a trend - is that the figure of 21 is considerably less than one would have expected in a month.

Although I am not sure if it is a trend, the figure of 21 is considerably fewer than one would have expected in a month. One might expect two or three times that amount. At this point I do not know if the trend will be continued, as the numbers leaving per month would have an obvious effect on the rate of recruitment in trying to get to and maintain the number at around 10,000. This is particularly true in the context of trying to ensure the capability of each individual sector in the Army.

The only trend I have noticed, which may be more anecdotal than evidence-based, is that it appears to be difficult to retain women in the armed services. That is not an experience solely confined to this country and it may have to be addressed. Our experience does not appear to be different from those elsewhere. I have not noticed any other trends with regard to people leaving at officer level, etc.

It must be borne in mind that in some instances of a particular year, it may be the anniversary - if that is the right term - of a particularly big recruitment and in that case there may be a large number of retirees. We are trying to consider at what point that may have an input. The number of 21 in the past month is one of the smallest changes.

See this speech in context