Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 59: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of personnel in the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service as of 1 January 2009; the anticipated numbers in each case at 31 December 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24686/09]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of personnel in the Army Reserve and the Naval Reserve Service as of 1 January 2009; the anticipated numbers in each case at 31 December 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24687/09]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which an increase in the strength of the Army, Navy or Air Corps is contemplated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24759/09]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 90: To ask the Minister for Defence if he anticipates that the numbers in the Permanent Defence Forces will decline below 10,200 in 2010 and subsequent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24708/09]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 364: To ask the Minister for Defence the additional staff that will be taken on for the Air Corps and Naval Service for the remainder of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24902/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 59, 65, 74, 90 and 364 together.

The strength of the Army, Air Corps, Naval Service, Army Reserve and Naval Reserve as of 31 December 2008 is set out in the tabular statement below.

The recent Government Decision on savings measures on public service numbers is being implemented in the Defence Forces. I am in contact with my colleague, the Minister for Finance about the implications of the measures for the Permanent Defence Force. My focus is on the ongoing operational capability of the Defence Forces. Until there is an outcome to this process the savings measures continue to apply.

The Defence Forces have improved in every respect since 2000 through the implementation of the White Paper. This represents a significant public service success story. The organisation is therefore in a healthy state both in terms of personnel and equipment.

The economic reality is such that the Government decision must be implemented. While it is not possible at this time to predict the impact that the suspension of recruitment will have on the Defence Forces, it can be anticipated that further flexibility and re-structuring will be required arising from the implementation of these measures and I intend, within the resources available, to retain the capacity of the organization to operate effectively across all roles. This will represent a significant challenge in the coming years and one in respect of which I will work closely with the Chief of Staff.

I am advised that the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government at home and overseas.