Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

In the context of recruitment, it is likely to cover the area of the Naval Service and the Army at this stage. The exact numbers have to be clarified and agreed. I am happy to keep the Deputy informed when decisions are made without the necessity of the Deputy tabling a Dáil question on the matter. I will do the same to facilitate Deputy O'Brien, who is spokesperson for Sinn Féin.

It is important - I want to emphasise this - that we recognise in straitened circumstances there is a limit to the manner in which we can deal with resources. With regard to recruitment, within the Department of Defence we have been very careful to stay within our resources and to produce efficiencies where necessary. That is why we may have some small leeway to recruit some additional people before the end of the year in circumstances where we are cognisant of retirements taking place.

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