Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

It is important to get this exactly right in view of the reorganisation that is pending. There is no point in having the wrong rank of person doing a given job. Those recruited must fit the vacancies deemed to be essential. This is a fundamental reorganisation and a significant undertaking. A range of approaches must be considered. The experience from previous reorganisations has shown that time is required to formulate options and to evaluate each of them and, subsequently, to decide on the best option to ensure that the organisational structures are fit for purpose. The Minister will not pre-empt the ongoing work on the potential future of organisational matters in advance of receiving the final report or the making of recommendations. I assure the Deputy that the numbers will be filled up to 9,500 personnel. The key message is that there will be active recruitment as soon as possible up to a figure of 9,500 for the Defence Forces. I understand up to 600 new, younger people will be employed in the Defence Forces.

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