Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

There may well be a case for approaching the Department of Finance on foot of Deputy O'Shea's general point, but I would be more comfortable doing so in the context of arguing that the operational capability of the Defence Forces was being negatively impacted by certain numbers instead of by adhering to a rounded figure like 10,000, which seems a somewhat suspicious target. Instead of referring to a particular number, it would be better for the operational capability of the Army, navy and air force were we to examine what deficiencies or requirements there might be in numbers at all ranks, particularly at recruitment stage, and made a case on foot of that.

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