Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 462: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of persons with a home address in Dublin 1 who were recruited into the Defence Forces on the two occasions when recruitment took place. [17088/06]

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 463: To ask the Minister for Defence the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 who successfully completed the application requirements for entry to the Defence Forces on no less than three separate occasions was not called up; the further reason others who applied after them were called up; the reason the Freedom of Information process could provide no explanation for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17089/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 462 and 463 together.

The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force. This comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. Recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force is continuous in order to maintain the strength at the level set out in the White Paper, as required to meet military needs.

For the year 2005 there were 1,125 applications for general service positions in the Permanent Defence Force from which there were 384 enlistments. There are currently no details available of numbers of applications received in 2006. However there were 134 enlistments up to 5 May 2006. Statistics are not compiled for applications or enlistments based on postal address. Consequently, there are no figures available for the number of applicants specifically from the Dublin 1 area.

The day to day administration of recruitment in the Defence Forces is the responsibility of the Chief of Staff. Each application is treated individually. In relation to the particular case to which you refer, as you will readily understand, it is a requirement under Data Protection legislation and indeed the policy of the Department of Defence to treat the details of all applications for enlistment in the Defence Forces as strictly private and confidential.

I understand that the individual concerned applied to enlist in the Defence Forces on a number of occasions in the past. In July 2003 at the time he made an application under the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003, his application to enlist in the Defence Forces was still being processed and he was advised accordingly.

As can be seen from the figures given above the number of applications received for positions in the Permanent Defence Force exceeds the number of positions available in any year therefore not every applicant can be successful.

The individual concerned is welcome to re-apply for enlistment to the Permanent Defence Force and I can assure you that his application will be given full consideration by the Military authorities.