Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 39: To ask the Minister for Defence his priorities for the Defence Forces during this term of Dáil Éireann. [24277/04]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Defence his vision for the development of the Defence Forces in the future; if he foresees an increase in the strength of the Army, Naval Service or Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24532/04]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 73 together.

My vision for the development of the Defence Forces and my priorities are set out in the White Paper on Defence and in the programme for Government. I intend to follow through on the implementation of the White Paper on Defence and the other commitments we have made to the ongoing modernisation and reform process and to ensure that the Defence Forces are equipped to meet challenges at home and overseas. I am satisfied that the current strength of the Defence Forces is adequate to meet all needs arising at home and overseas and I foresee no increase in that strength.