Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 219: To ask the Minister for Defence the anticipated strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps in 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3790/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 set out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force (Army 8,426, Naval Service 1,144, Air Corps 930) as the strength sufficient to meet all foreseeable military requirements for the period comprehended by the White Paper (i.e. up to 2010). This remains the position.

In common with other areas of the public service a reduction of 3% in payroll costs has been applied to the Defence Forces. Recruitment was suspended in late 2008 pending a review of the best means by which to achieve this reduction. My officials and the military authorities are keeping the situation under close review on an ongoing basis. The review and any subsequent recruitment in 2009 will prioritise the operational requirements of the Defence Forces.