Written answers

Tuesday, 10 March 2009

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Recruitment

9:00 pm

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 352: To ask the Minister for Defence if the freeze on recruitment will impact on the length of tours of duty, the frequency of tours of duty abroad, the number of members of the PDF available for overseas duty and all health and safety concerns regarding soldiers on overseas duty; if the chief of staff and others in the Defence Forces have been consulted as to the impact of the recruitment freeze on the ability of the Defence Forces to engage in overseas missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9875/09]

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 353: To ask the Minister for Defence the average number of days in 2008 that a member of the Defence Forces involved in overseas duty spent on overseas duty; if he will provide an absolute assurance that recruitment restrictions will not impact on the length and frequency of service facing Defence Forces personnel on overseas service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9876/09]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 352 and 353 together.

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 consideration 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 to ensure that the key commitments of the Defence Forces both at home and abroad are being met. The review and any subsequent recruitment in 2009 will prioritise the operational requirements of the Defence Forces.

I am advised that the freeze on recruitment will not have any immediate effect on the capacity of the Defence Forces to do their job abroad. However, that may change, although I cannot project too far into the future. I do not anticipate that the situation will have changed by this time next year.

The Defence Forces continued to serve on overseas missions throughout 2008. On average, there were 690 personnel involved in UN-led and UN mandated missions throughout last year. Troops on overseas missions serve a six or four month tour of duty. There are no plans to alter this rotation policy in the foreseeable future.

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