David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 8: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans for general service recruitment to the Defence Forces for the remainder of 2011 and in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25086/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware of the restrictions on recruitment to the public service generally arising from the necessity to restore balance to the public finances. In the context of this challenge, the Government intends to maintain the operational efficiency of the Defence Forces to the greatest extent possible, as I mentioned earlier.

To this end, targeted recruitment was carried out in 2010 and to date in 2011. The military authorities have advised that to date in 2011 a total of 290 general service recruits have been enlisted. Given the particular circumstances of the Defence Forces it is my intention that targeted recruitment will continue within the resource envelope allocated to defence for 2012. As previously mentioned, there is a possibility that there will be some additional recruitment this year. Definitive decisions on that have yet to be made.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Does the Minister have any information on how many members of the Defence Forces will retire before the end of the year or in February, which seems to be the deadline? If so, is it possible to replace them? What is the policy of the Minister on members of the Defence Forces who are acting up or are in acting positions due to a lack of recruitment and promotion?

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I reiterate it is not clear yet how many may retire during the course of this year. I can assure the Deputy that, in so far as retirements do take place, we will ensure that the necessary officers may be appointed to replace anyone who may retire at officer level. In so far as anyone may retire at private level or other levels within the Defence Forces, obviously this is an operational matter for discussion between me and the Chief of Staff.

As stated earlier, I am absolutely committed to maintaining both the capabilities of the Defence Forces and its operational capacity. This is a matter kept under continuing review. It is one of the reasons we are giving consideration to possibly having some additional recruitment before the end of this year.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Is there any information on those who are acting up because positions have not been filled? People are working in such roles because of the lack of recruitment. Has the Minister given any consideration to making any positions permanent or promoting people to permanent positions?

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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In that context, we are of course trying to ensure that, within the defence establishment, we keep within our financial envelope this year and within the restrictions that we have to operate within. There will be some further appointments made before the end of the year where currently there are gaps, but I cannot guarantee to the Deputy that all the gaps will necessarily be filled. There would be certain areas, obviously, that would be prioritised.

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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In terms of the Minister's plans for recruitment will he focus on any particular branch of the forces, such as the Army, navy or air corps?

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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In the context of recruitment, it is likely to cover the area of the Naval Service and the Army at this stage. The exact numbers have to be clarified and agreed. I am happy to keep the Deputy informed when decisions are made without the necessity of the Deputy tabling a Dáil question on the matter. I will do the same to facilitate Deputy O'Brien, who is spokesperson for Sinn Féin.

It is important - I want to emphasise this - that we recognise in straitened circumstances there is a limit to the manner in which we can deal with resources. With regard to recruitment, within the Department of Defence we have been very careful to stay within our resources and to produce efficiencies where necessary. That is why we may have some small leeway to recruit some additional people before the end of the year in circumstances where we are cognisant of retirements taking place.