Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 338: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will sanction the recruitment by the Air Corps of apprentice aircraft mechanics from the short list of people who have been vetted, sent for medical assessment and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7011/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I have been advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as of 31 December 2008, the most recent date for which figures are available, was 10,408. In common with other areas of the public service a reduction of 3% in payroll costs has been applied to the Defence Forces. Recruitment has been suspended pending a review of the best means to achieve the reduction in payroll costs. This includes the planned enlistment of apprentices to fill vacancies in the Air Corps. 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.