Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Defence if, in view of the drop in the numbers in the Defence Forces, there are signs that there are difficulties in maintaining a credible organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9179/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 93: To ask the Minister for Defence the strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; the degree to which numbers have fluctuated in each of the past three years to date; the number who have retired or taken early retirement; his plans for further recruitment in 2010 and future years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9238/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 93 together.

I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as at 31 January 2010, the latest date for which figures are available, was 9,906 comprising 8,070 Army, 805 Air Corps and 1,031 Naval Service. The figures for the last three years are as follows:

The total number of personnel that have left the Permanent Defence Forces on an annual basis since 2007 is as follows:

I am acutely aware of the impact of the moratorium on the Defence Forces in light of the very high turnover rate that is part of any military organisation. The impact is being monitored on an ongoing basis and specific requirements have been identified to 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.

The Defence Forces have improved in every respect since 2000 through the implementation of the White Paper. This represents a significant public service success story. However the economic reality is such that the Defence organisation must contribute to the correction of the public finances. I am advised that at this time the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas. It is intended, within the resources available, to retain the capacity of the organization to operate effectively across all roles while contributing to the necessary public service commitments.