Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Defence the criteria for recruitment to the Defence Forces; when the next recruitment drive is planned; if a criminal offence committed by a minor is an impediment to recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17194/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force is ongoing and will continue in order to maintain the strength at the level set out in the White Paper as required to meet military needs. It is expected that in excess of 500 will be enlisted in 2006.

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. All applicants for enlistment in the Permanent Defence Force must satisfy certain eligibility criteria which include age limits, minimum height, education, medical and physical standards. The policy regarding the enlistment in the Permanent Defence Force, of persons who have committed a criminal offence, is governed by Defence Force Regulations.

In this regard, Defence Force Regulations stipulate that the following persons will not be enlisted in the Permanent Defence Force—

1. a person who has been convicted of a serious offence by a civil court,

2. a person who has been convicted by a Special Criminal Court of a scheduled offence under the Offences Against the State Act, 1939, unless—

(i) a period of seven years has elapsed since the date of the conviction, or

(ii) a free pardon has been granted in respect of such conviction, or

(iii) the disqualification incurred as a result of such conviction, from holding office or employment remunerated out of public funds has been remitted by the Government under subsection (5) of section 34 of the said Act.

Defence Force Regulations also stipulate that a person who has been convicted of a serious offence by the Special Criminal Court or by a Civil Court shall be ineligible for enlistment in the Reserve Defence Force. Regarding a minor who has committed an offence, it is not possible to give a general answer. Each case is considered on its merits having regard to the principles set out above.