Michael Kennedy (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Defence the situation for people who wish to apply to join the Defence Forces over the coming months; the situation with those who were in the process of applying in 2008 and who have been attending interviews or fitness/medical examinations and are awaiting to hear if they have been successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42651/08]

Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 93: To ask the Minister for Defence the recruitment targets that had existed for 2009 prior to the announcement of financial restrictions in and as a result of budget 2009; the recruitment targets set as a result of budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42923/08]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 98: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of recruits that will be taken into the Defence Forces throughout 2008, broken down in respect of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service; the number expected to be recruited during 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42772/08]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 111: To ask the Minister for Defence, further to Parliamentary Question No. 60 of 22 October 2008, the way in which recruitment to the Defence Forces will be rescheduled in order to meet the reduction of 3% in payroll costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42747/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 84, 93, 98 and 111 together.

To date in 2008, a total of 507 recruits have been enlisted into the Permanent Defence Force. 441 were recruited to the Army and 66 to the Naval Service. In addition, 41 cadets commenced their cadet training in September, 2008. I have been advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as of 31 October 2008, the most recent date for which figures are available, was 10,489.

In common with other areas of the public service a reduction of 3% in payroll costs will apply to the Defence Forces. The initial step towards achieving this reduction has been to stop further recruitment for the remainder of 2008. Recruitment in 2009 will be rescheduled. The situation will be closely monitored. This monitoring will take account of projected and actual natural wastage in establishing the appropriate level of recruitment in 2009. The priority for recruitment is likely to be in specialist areas such as cadets, medical and apprentices. The military authorities have advised that they will continue to accept application forms from those interested in general service recruitment. The applications will be kept on a register, applicants will be issued with an acknowledgement letter advising them of the position in relation to recruitment and they will be kept informed on the status of their applications on an on-going basis.

Similarly, those who have already applied and have completed some of the recruitment selection process have been informed in writing of the current status regarding recruitment and that the Defence Forces will keep their applications under review. In addition to notifying each applicant individually a note to this effect has been placed on the Defence Forces internet site www.military.ie.