Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for Defence if the strength of the Naval Service is currently up to the required level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35146/09]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 172: To ask the Minister for Defence if the strength of the Air Corps is currently up to requirement at all levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35147/09]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for Defence the current and required strength of the Permanent Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35148/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 to 173, inclusive, together.

The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. I am advised by the military authorities that on 30 September 2009, the most recent date for which figures are available, the actual total strength of the Permanent Defence Force was 10,081 comprising 812 Air Corps, 1,038 Naval Service and 8,231 Army personnel. In the context of the Government decision on the implementation of savings measures on public service numbers and the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, all recruitment was suspended.

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