Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 257: To ask the Minister for Defence the age profile of new recruits into the Defence Forces in 2009; the age profile of new recruits into Defence Forces for each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36006/09]

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 259: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of recruits into the Army in 2009; the number of recruits into the Army for each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36008/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 257 and 258 together.

The age profile of personnel recruited for general service into the Defence Forces in 2009 and over the past 10 years is presented in the attached Tabular Statement. The number of personnel recruited for general service in each of the past 10 years is also attached in Tabular Statement. The 2000 White Paper on Defence and the earlier Defence Force Review Implementation Plan (DFRIP) both identified the requirement to address the high age profile in the Defence Forces. The key element in military life is the need for personnel to maintain a level of fitness for combat readiness. This requirement must be balanced with the need to retain experience and expertise, particularly at managerial level in the Defence Forces.

I am advised by the military authorities that the strength of the Defence Forces at 30 September 2009, the last date for which figures are available is 10,081. I am keenly aware of the impact that measures such as the moratorium on recruitment, promotion and acting appointments are having on the Permanent Defence Forces in light of the very high turnover rate that is part of any military organisation. My focus is on retaining the capacity of the organisation to operate effectively across all roles. T his will represent a significant challenge in the coming months. I am in contact with my colleague the Minister for Finance with regard to targeted exemptions from the moratorium. 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.

Age profile of personnel recruited for general service to the Defence Forces in each of the past 10 years.

Number of personnel recruited for general service to the Defence Forces in each of the past 10 years

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 258: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of people in the Army in 2009; the number of people in the Army for each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36007/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The strength of the Army for each of the past ten years and as of 30 September 2009 is set out in the following tabular statement. This statement also provides figures for the Air Corps and the Naval Service for the same period. 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 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.