Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 336: To ask the Minister for Defence when a decision on whether there will be a Defence Force cadet class in 2010 will be made; when such a decision will be communicated to the public to allow persons who are waiting to apply for the class to either make an application or make alternative career choices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21919/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Within the available resources, the Government is committed to maintaining the strength of the Permanent Defence Force 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 question of a cadet class in 2010 is being considered in the context of the review of structures and posts required to meet the operational requirements of the Defence Forces and the Government decision to maintain a complement of 10,000 personnel. Following agreement with the Department of Finance on the re-organisation, I will make an announcement, at the earliest possible opportunity, in relation to the holding of a cadetship competition in 2010.