Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 28, 29 and 34 together.

Within the available resources, the Government is committed to maintaining the strength of the PDF, 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 have outlined the current strength, but targeted recruitment will be carried out in 2010 to maintain the operational capability of the Defence Forces. We have approved the recruitment of 40 people to the Naval Service and further recruitment will occur.

In light of the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, all recruitment to the RDF was suspended. Following a subsequent review and examination of RDF personnel numbers and budgets for 2009, limited recruitment to fill vacancies arising due to existing reserve members resigning or being discharged in the normal manner resumed. The numbers recruited will depend on the numbers leaving. This limited recruitment is continuing subject to the overall strength level that existed at 1 January 2009 not being exceeded. This recruitment is being monitored and kept under review in the light of the uptake of paid training within the RDF and the future budgetary considerations. I will take account of the points made by Deputies in today's debate.

I have outlined the review that is under way on structures and posts in the PDF. Following this, discussions will start with the Department of Finance on the employment control framework, which we have discussed.

Once the employment control framework has been agreed with the Department of Finance, sanction for promotion will be delegated to the Department of Defence with ongoing control monitoring by the former on a monthly basis to ensure compliance. With the support of the military authorities and within the resources available, I intend to retain the capacity of the organisation to operate effectively.

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