Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Has it been possible to ensure that particularly sensitive sectors in the Defence Forces do not fall below a certain strength? Would it be possible to over-recruit, by way of compensation, during recruitment drives? Will the Minister of State indicate whether this has been tried out? Defence is a sensitive area and it is never known when or how the Defence Forces may be called upon in an emergency. Is he satisfied that sufficient strength remains available for the Defence Forces and the Reserve Defence Force to be deployed at short notice?

See this speech in context