Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 5: To ask the Minister for Defence when he will commence the recruitment of the 350 troops to be in training at any given time as promised in the programme for Government from 2008 onwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22105/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. The White Paper also provided that the Chief of Staff could maintain an additional 250 in training at any one time. The latter provision was withdrawn in 2003.

The agreed programme for Government now proposes an additional provision for up to 350 troops to be in training at any given time. The military authorities and my Department are undertaking the planning necessary to address this proposal.

It is my intention to maintain the established Government policy of ongoing recruitment to the Defence Forces. Recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force will continue to maintain the strength at the level set out in the White Paper as required to meet military needs.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Is the Minister confident there are the training personnel and resources to train the promised 350 troops? When will recruitment begin? Although the commitment is for 2008, surely the recruitment process should have begun to ensure 350 personnel will be in training by the end of that year. Is it the Minister's objective to have 350 troops in training at the end of 2008? I seek clarity on the issue, as well as on whether the Minister is satisfied the training arrangements are in place to accommodate this increase in numbers. Some within the Army are suspicious because of the withdrawal of the commitment made in the White Paper. At that time a compromise was reached with the military authorities in respect of the force reduction from 11,500 to 10,500, to the effect there would be 250 personnel in training at any one time. As this commitment was reneged on by the Government, it is feared the new commitment will also be reneged on, or not fully fulfilled. I seek clarification in this regard.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I am certain and satisfied the system is in place to train personnel to maintain the Army at its present level. However, to avoid misunderstandings arising regarding the figure of 350, recruitment to the Army is ongoing. For example, the number who applied to be enlisted in 2004 was just short of 2,000. The corresponding figures for 2005, 2006 and 2007 were 1,125, nearly 2,500 and approximately 2,200, respectively. Obviously, only approximately 20% of such applications are successful.

I will clarify the figure of 350. We have permission to have an army of 8,426 personnel. The figure of 350 constitutes a kind of overdraft facility that allows for up to 350 in training, which enables us to exceed the overall number, if deemed necessary. For example, one could anticipate a number of retirements. This constitutes an additional facility to maintain the Army at the strength as set out in the White Paper and I will ensure it takes effect from 1 January 2008.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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As for the applications for 2008, if the Minister has the figures available, he should provide the House with a breakdown of the number of male and female applicants. How fares his initiative to recruit more women to the Army? Is there now more interest from women to join?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I do not have the figures for 2008 as yet. However, I will find out what I can and forward the information to the Deputy. Last year, female membership numbered approximately 570.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Does that figure pertain to the Permanent Defence Force?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Yes. This represents an extremely small percentage of the total. I understand the number of female cadets in the military is approximately double the number of female enlisted personnel. The Deputy is aware I have reduced the height requirements in a measure that has just taken effect. The Department has conducted some research etc. that it is analysing to put in place its recommendations. While it might be too early to test the initiative, I will see what emerges.