Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is monitored on an ongoing basis, but I assure the Deputy that there are people ready and able to take up whatever positions people retire from. The Defence Forces have well-trained people who are capable of taking over whatever role may become vacant as a result of a retirement. Going back to the Deputy's other question, the current general service recruitment campaign, which was launched on 13 April 2016, envisages 600 general service recruits in 2016 and a further 850 in 2017. I understand that as of 31 May 2016, 34 officers and 193 enlisted ranks have retired or were discharged. I assure the Deputy that this is monitored and if someone is required in a particular role, there are people who have the capability to take over whatever position is required.

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