Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 178: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of positions to be filled at all ranks throughout the Defence Forces at the present time; the length of time such posts have been vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16090/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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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.

The following table shows the total strength of the Permanent Defence Force on a monthly basis for the period since November 2009

The distribution of these vacancies between the various formations is being managed by the Chief of Staff on an ongoing basis. I can confirm that officials from the Department are continuing to engage with the Military Authorities in relation to a review of structures and posts required to meet the operational requirements of the Defence Forces. This review is being undertaken in light of the Government decision to maintain a Permanent Defence Force complement of 10,000 personnel.