Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 71: To ask the Minister for Defence if, when new strengths by rank within the authorised 10,000 strength of the Defence Forces are agreed, the organisation will have sanction to promote on a continuous basis to ensure the numbers at each rank are maintained at the agreed levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9328/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Resulting from the Government decision regarding the reduction of public service numbers and the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, recruitment, promotions and acting-up appointments in the Permanent Defence Force were suspended. I am aware of the impact of the moratorium on the Permanent Defence Force, particularly in light of the high turnover rate that is part of any military organisation. Within the available resources, the Government is committed to maintaining the strength of the Defence Forces at a level of 10,000 all ranks for which Government approval was secured in budget 2010. This reflects the reductions in personnel recommended in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes.

Departmental officials continue to engage with the military authorities on a review of structures and posts required to meet the operational requirements of the Defence Forces in light of the Government decision to maintain a complement of 10,000 personnel. The review is expected to be completed in March. Following on from this, discussions will commence with the Department of Finance to agree structures and mechanisms for the ongoing promotion of personnel.

While these are challenging times, the Defence Forces have risen to the challenge and are organised, equipped and staffed in a manner which will ensure they can continue to deliver the services required of them by Government.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the Minister of State confirming the Government has accepted the authorised strength of the Defence Forces at 10,000. It was 11,500 but because of the McCarthy report and reductions it now stands at 10,000. I recognise new structures will have to be introduced in the Defence Forces because of this reduction. Obviously, there will be new demands at different unit levels. If the ranks have been agreed between the Department and the Defence Forces, then the moratorium on promotion should be removed to fill the large number of vacant ranks. Will the Minister of State give a commitment that the Defence Forces will be allowed to fill these ranks without the need for authorisation? Will he also give an exact figure for the number of vacancies?

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by the Government at home and overseas. While a detailed response to the submission to the Minister for Finance has not yet been received, the objective is to achieve the implementation of the Government decision on savings measures in public service numbers in a manner that gives protection to the operational capacity of the Permanent Defence Force while meeting its obligations to contribute to the necessary public service economies.

The decision to reduce Permanent Defence Force numbers, as outlined in the White Paper, was the correct decision. The Defence Forces have subsequently delivered all services requested by the Government. This reduction in strength did not adversely affect the provision of services. Instead, significant gains and enhanced service provision have been achieved in the intervening years.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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I am aware of one Defence Forces member who missed his opportunity for promotion because his final medical examination could not take place for reasons beyond his control. The former Minister for Defence was well aware of the case. Given the Minister of State's response, perhaps the case could be re-examined.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Deputy can provide the Minister of State with the details

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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I hope the Minister of State will be the Minister for Defence at the next Question Time. I wish him the best of luck in that respect.