Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 538: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of applicants to join the Defence Forces on the most recent occasion advertised; the number who were selected for interview; the number who were unsuccessful; if unsuccessful applicants may reapply on the next occasion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6431/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The position is that the day to day administration of recruitment to the Defence Forces is the responsibility of the Chief of Staff.

I have been informed, by the military authorities, that the most recent advertisements placed seeking applications for positions in the Permanent Defence Force were for the Cadetship Competition 2007. The details of the number of applications received for this competition will not be available until after the closing date (12 March, 2007) for receipt of applications.

However as of 16 February, 2007 a total of 834 applications are on hands for General Service Enlistment to the Permanent Defence Force of which 563 have either attended or been called for interview. To date in 2007 4 general service recruits have been enlisted to the Permanent Defence Force.

An unsuccessful applicant may re-apply for a position in the Permanent Defence Force provided s/he meets all the eligibility criteria.

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 a level required to meet military needs and as set out in the White Paper i.e. 10,500 Permanent Defence Force all ranks.