Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 258: To ask the Minister for Defence the ability of the military authorities to meet all anticipated overseas commitments as well as normal national duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12687/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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. 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 both at home and abroad.

Currently, a total of 750 Defence Forces personnel are serving overseas.

Ireland has offered, through the UN stand-by arrangements system, or UNSAS, to provide up to 850 military personnel, configured as a light infantry mounted battalion, for overseas service at any one time. That figure equates to some 10% of Ireland's standing Army, excluding reserves, and demonstrates Ireland's commitment to the cause of international peace. That is the maximum sustainable commitment that Ireland can make to overseas peacekeeping operations. It should be appreciated that, at any one time, one group of personnel will have just returned from service, one will be on overseas duty, and a further group will be in training. There are no plans at this time to increase the level of our commitment to UNSAS.