Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 64: To ask the Minister for Defence if non-nationals are permitted to join the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38116/05]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of non-nationals who applied for enlistment in the Defence Forces in 2004; the outcome of these applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38114/05]

Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 79 together.

Defence Forces regulations have always allowed for the recruitment of foreign nationals to the Defence Forces as enlisted personnel. However, for a person other than an Irish citizen to be appointed as an officer of the Defence Forces, the special approval of the Minister must be sought. In such a case, and provided that security clearance has been obtained, the Minister would normally recommend that such a person be commissioned to the Defence Forces.

The current requirements for general service enlistment are that applicants be of a particular minimum height and physical fitness; and be ordinarily resident in the State and satisfy such general and education qualifications as may be determined by the Minister for Defence.

Candidates from within the European Economic Area, EEA, and refugees have the same right to apply for general service enlistment as citizens. Candidates from outside the EEA must have three years' legal and unbroken residency, be in possession of a work permit and have security clearance.

The military authorities inform me that in 2004 eight foreign nationals applied for general service enlistment. Four of these applicants failed to attend for interview, two were unsuccessful at interview stage of the selection process and two are being processed. My Department and the Defence Forces are fully committed to ensuring that all who wish to do so are given the opportunity to join the Defence Forces.