Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 467: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans to offer placements to new recruits in the Army in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36744/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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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, recruitment to the Permanent Defence Forces has been suspended. As I have already stated in the House I have made a submission to my colleague the Minister for Finance regarding the implications of the measures for the Permanent Defence Force. My focus is on the ongoing operational capability of the Defence Forces. The question of limited exceptions to the application of the measures arise in this regard. It is however too early to confirm the position in relation to further recruitment.