Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 29: To ask the Minister for Defence if the lifting of the moratorium on recruitment in the Reserve Defence Forces will be extended to the Permanent Defence Force; if this will include the intake of a cadet class in 2009; the promotions within the PDF which have been agreed upon following his negotiations with the Department of Finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25227/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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In the context of the Government decision on the implementation of savings measures on public service numbers and the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, all recruitment to the Reserve Defence Forces had been suspended. Following a review and examination of Reserve Defence Force personnel numbers and budget, I am satisfied that there is sufficient provision to allow for paid training for existing members of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve this year. Accordingly, I have recently approved the commencement of limited recruitment to fill vacancies which may arise due to existing Army Reserve or Naval Service Reserve members resigning or being discharged during 2009, in the normal manner.

The numbers that may be recruited will depend on the numbers leaving and any such vacancies will be filled over the coming weeks and months, drawing from the current list of applicants. This limited recruitment will be monitored and kept under review in the light of the uptake of paid training within the Reserve Defence Force and the future budgetary provision. The savings measures are being implemented in the Permanent Defence Force. I am in contact with my colleague, the Minister for Finance, about the implications of the measures for the Permanent Defence Force. My focus is on the ongoing operational capability of the Defence Forces. The question of limited exceptions to the application of the measures arises in this regard. It is therefore too early to confirm if there will be a cadet class this year.

I can confirm that normal advancements within the Permanent Defence Force do not fall within the scope of the savings measures. This includes such categories as existing cadets being commissioned following cadet training and general service recruits who have already been enlisted and who are completing their course of training. Consequently, such advancements are now proceeding in the normal way.

Approval has been granted in respect of the appointment, by promotion, of a successor to the incumbent director of military prosecutions, who is due to retire next month. The appointment will be filled by way of competition. The competition process is underway at present.

The Defence Forces have improved in every respect since 2000 through the implementation of the White Paper. This represents a significant public service success story. The organisation is therefore in a healthy state both in terms of personnel and equipment. The economic reality is such that the Government decision must be implemented. It can be anticipated that further flexibility and restructuring will be required arising from the implementation of these measures. I intend, within the resources available, to retain the capacity of the organization to operate effectively across all roles. This will represent a significant challenge in the coming years and one in respect of which I will work closely with the Chief of Staff.

I am advised that the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government at home and overseas.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the fact that the Minister has confirmed that promotions will take place within the Defence Forces and that the moratorium does not affect promotions. As the Permanent Defence Force is a hierarchical organisation promotions are very important in the chain of command.

Given that approximately 350 members of the Defence Forces will retire this year and others, because of uncertainty regarding taxation of the retirement gratuity, may retire before their time, there will be an outflow of people from the Permanent Defence Force. This will affect our capacity to carry out overseas missions and other duties. The Minister has lifted the moratorium on recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force. Why can he not do the same for the Permanent Defence Force? Why can those who will leave the Defence Forces this year not be replaced?

Young blood is particularly essential for the Defence Forces. It is important that young, energetic and fit people are recruited. Otherwise the force could go stale.

I am glad the Minister clarified the matter of promotion. In the interest of the Defence Forces and their future, can he give a commitment that, at the very least, those who leave the Defence Forces will be replaced?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I repeat what I stated regarding promotions:

I can confirm that normal advancements within the Permanent Defence Force do not fall within the scope of the savings measures. This includes such categories as existing cadets being commissioned following cadet training, and general service recruits who have already been enlisted and who are completing their course of training. Consequently, such advancements are now proceeding in the normal way.

With regard to other promotions and Deputy Deenihan's question about the replacement of people who will retire this year, the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force are quite different. The Reserve Defence Force is a voluntary organisation. The Department of Defence pays for a number of training days per annum for the Reserve Defence Force. Membership of the Permanent Defence Force is something else entirely. We must observe the moratorium on recruitment.

I have written to the Minister for Finance and I will speak to him shortly with regard to that correspondence. I have asked for various matters to be clarified and for exceptions to the moratorium to be made. I expect to meet the Minister shortly to discuss my request.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform succeeded in having three chief superintendents and ten superintendents of the Garda appointed, as a concession. Surely the Minister for Defence has the capability to achieve similar treatment for the Defence Forces. Surely he can use the Garda concession as a bargaining tool with the Minister for Finance.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I am gratified by Deputy Deenihan's confidence in my negotiating abilities. I will use the bargaining tool, as he suggests.