Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 936: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of persons who applied to join the Defence Forces in 2005; the number selected; if all applicants who passed the interview, medical and fitness exams were selected; the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 was not selected; and if it is open to them to re-apply. [14930/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The number of applications received for positions in the Permanent Defence Force in 2005 was 2,472. Of this figure 1,125 were for general service enlistment, 296 for the apprenticeships competitions, 1,004 for the cadetship competition and a further 47 were for direct entry specialist competitions. In 2005 a total number of 479 successful applicants took up positions in the Permanent Defence Force, of whom 384 were general service enlistments, 55 cadets, 28 apprentices and 12 direct entry specialists. In general the number of applications received for positions in the Permanent Defence Force exceeds the number of positions available in any year. The day-to-day administration of recruitment in the Defence Forces is the responsibility of the Chief of Staff.

With regard to the particular case to which the Deputy refers, as he will readily understand it is the policy of the Department of Defence to treat all applications for enlistment in the Defence Forces as strictly private and confidential. However, under the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003, the individual in question may apply for access to information on his application to Defence Forces Freedom of Information Officer, Defence Forces Headquarters, Coláiste Caoimhín, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.