Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will confirm that no recruitment to the Defence Forces will take place during 2009; the strength of the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service as of 1 January 2009; the projected strength of each at the end of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17771/09]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 447: To ask the Minister for Defence if it is intended to increase the strength of the Army, Navy and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18159/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 447 together.

The strength of the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service as of 31 December 2008 is set out in the tabular statement. The Government introduced a moratorium on recruitment to the Public Service with effect from 27th March 2009. In this context and given the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, all recruitment to the Defence Forces has been suspended for the present.

The moratorium and the reduction in the pay budget were introduced as cost saving measures to achieve necessary savings in the pay bill in the public sector. These savings will have to be achieved. The question of recruitment is currently under review by my officials and the military authorities in consultation with the Department of Finance. The outcome of the review and any subsequent recruitment in 2009 will prioritise the operational requirements of the Defence Forces.