Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Many of the things the Tánaiste has mentioned are worth reiterating regarding the progress that is being made. He mentioned the extension of healthcare. That was a much welcomed provision. The Tánaiste has stated in the past that we need to adapt to new realities. He has described the situation globally as extremely challenging. As he has often stated in the House, we are competing in an environment of full employment. Trying to maintain or attract recruits in that environment is always going to be challenging. How many people have expressed an interest in joining the Defence Forces in the last 12 months? Will the Tánaiste clarify intake numbers versus the number who have actually expressed an interest? Where are we with that?

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