Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

I am aware that the Minister met representatives of both PDFORRA and RACO yesterday on this issue. In response to the previous question, I stated the number of personnel in the Defence Forces is 9,500. In recent years, the number was as high as 12,000 to 14,000. Unfortunately, we do not have enough personnel in the Defence Forces at present to maintain and sustain three brigades.

The Minister consulted the Chief of Staff on this issue. There will be full consultation between the Department and the Defence Forces. Thereafter, a proposal will be made to the Minister. It is a question of consultation, and full consultation will take place over the next while on where the brigades will be placed. The Minister, Deputy Shatter, will make his decision in the not-too-distant future.

I assure the Deputy that it is because of the personnel number in the Defence Forces that we have had to make this decision. From having examined the funding available and the personnel figures, I note the previous Minister for Defence believed the budget would be sufficient to sustain a force of over 9,500, but if he had remained in office there would be a personnel number of 8,000 because there would not be sufficient finances to pay any more. This does not reflect on Deputy Calleary but on the previous Minister.

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