Written answers

Wednesday, 20 January 2010

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Recruitment

9:00 pm

Photo of James BannonJames Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 83: To ask the Minister for Defence when he expects normal recruitment into the Defence Forces to commence again in view of the his statement on 24 November 2009; the steps he will take to ensure the Defence Forces returns to its authorised membership of 10,500; the timeframe he envisages the Defence Forces reaching 10,500; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2073/10]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 105: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans for recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force in 2010; the number of general service personnel he plans to recruit in 2010; when he anticipates commencing this recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1910/10]

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 255: To ask the Minister for Defence if it is proposed to advertise a cadet competition in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the commitment to maintain the strength of the force at 10,000. [2314/10]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos 83, 105 and 255 together.

In the context of the Government Decision on the implementation of savings measures on public service numbers and the reduced budgetary provision available for 2010, 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.

Within the available resources, I am committed to maintaining the strength of the Defence Forces at a level of 10,000 all ranks, for which I have secured Government approval in the context of Budget 2010. This reflects the reductions in personnel recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. I am advised by the Military authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as at 31 December, 2009 was, 9,933 comprising 8,095 Army, 801 Air Corps and 1,037 Naval Service. As the numbers in the Permanent Defence Force have dropped below 10,000, recruitment will be carried out in 2010 in order to bring the numbers back to this level. Details of the recruitment campaign for 2010 in relation to the numbers of general service recruits to be enlisted, whether there will be a cadet competition, and the commencement of any such recruitment campaigns are not yet available. Planning for this process is under way.

The investment in improved equipment and training made over the past few years means that the Defence Forces are in a healthy state, both in terms of personnel and equipment, to meet the challenges that lie ahead. They have improved in every respect since 2000 and comprehensive reform of structure and human resources has been achieved during the past ten years. I intend, with the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, to retain the capacity of the organisation to operate effectively across all roles while contributing to the necessary public service economies. 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.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.