Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I am please there will be a phased recruitment to the Defence Forces. I ask the Minister of State to enlighten the House and tell us more precisely when this will be happen. In December the Minister for Defence announced he would maintain the Defence Forces personnel at 9,500 and the recruitment is in keeping with that commitment, which is welcome.

The Minister of State alluded to the reorganisation of the Defence Forces. PDFORRA and the RACO, which represent enlisted personnel and officers, expressed disappointment and surprise at the Minister's move to reorganise from three to two brigades. How many senior positions will be removed under the restructuring of the Defence Forces? What specific amount of cadetship will be opened up this year under the rearranged structure?

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