Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 339: To ask the Minister for Defence the nature of vetting procedures applied to applicants when they join the Permanent or Reserve Defence Forces in view of reports concerning the alleged involvement of a small number of individuals in these forces; when the vetting procedures were last reviewed and revised; when he intends to introduce new or updated vetting procedures; the nature of changes made to those vetting procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45289/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The position is that potential candidates for positions in the Defence Forces are required to complete and sign a Garda Vetting Application Form. This form pursuant to Section 8 of the Data Protection Act, 1988, authorises the Garda Síochána to furnish to the Defence Forces either, a statement that there are no convictions recorded against a candidate, or a statement of convictions, as the case may be. In the case of candidates under 18 years of age, his/her parent or guardian is required to complete the Consent Form.

The Garda Síochána Vetting System is a function of the Department of Justice. Vetting procedures are processed through the Garda Central Vetting Unit, in Thurles, Co. Tipperary. These procedures were reviewed and revised in 2007. As a result from February 2008 vetting is now conducted centrally rather than on a local basis as had previously been the case.

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 340: To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath who has gone through the interview process to join the Army; and when the moratorium on recruitment to the Defence Forces will be lifted. [45311/09]

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 Force 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 arises in this regard. It is however too early to confirm the position in relation to further recruitment.

I am unable to comment on the individual case to which you refer as it is the policy of the Department of Defence to treat all applications for enlistment in the Defence Forces as strictly private and confidential.