Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 20: To ask the Minister for Defence his views on the recommendation in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes that the number of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force be reduced by 500; if it is intended to implement this recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34764/09]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for Defence if the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes proposal to re-organise the defence sector over time in order to achieve a reduction of 500 personnel will affect the operational capability of the Defence Force. [34855/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 65 together.

The Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes recommended that the number of personnel in the PDF be reduced by 500 over a 2 to 3 year period as "operational requirements allow". The reality is that based on current trends numbers are already reducing within the PDF. The PDF strength as of 30/09/09 is 10,081.

My focus at this point in time is on ensuring that the Defence Forces retain operational capability. I am acutely aware of the impact of the moratorium on the Permanent Defence Force particularly in light of the very high turnover rate that is part of any military organization. I am in ongoing contact with my colleague, the Minister for Finance, regarding limited exceptions to the moratorium which are targeted at maintaining the operational capability and command arrangements of the Permanent Defence Force.

I intend, within the resources available, to retain the capacity of the organisation to operate effectively across all roles. This will represent a significant challenge in the coming months and one in respect of which I will work closely with the Chief of Staff.

Planned expenditure levels for my Department will be considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010. This will include consideration of the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes and the decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for the Government. It would therefore not be appropriate for me to comment any further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.