Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 201: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of Air Corps cadets accepted in each of the past three years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9652/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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A total of five Air Corps Cadets were recruited in 2007. In 2008 and 2009 the Military Authorities advised that in relation to the Air Corps there was no requirement to recruit Air Corps Cadets. This position was a function of the number of serving pilots, the number in training, the number of retirements and other anticipated departures.

Resulting from the Government Decision regarding the reduction of public service numbers and the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, recruitment, promotions and acting up appointments in the Permanent Defence Forces were suspended.

Within the available resources, the Government is committed to maintaining the strength of the Defence Forces at a level of 10,000 all ranks, for which Government approval has been secured 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.

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 underway.

It is intended, 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.