Written answers

Tuesday, 6 July 2010

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Recruitment

10:00 am

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 476: To ask the Minister for Defence when the 2010 recruitment phase for the Defence Force will be advertised; the number of personnel who will be recruited to the army and when his commitment to maintain the force at a level of 10,000 for all ranks will be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29986/10]

Photo of Tony KilleenTony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Within the context of consolidating the public finances, the Government is focused firmly on maintaining the operational efficiency of the Permanent Defence Force. Government approval was secured in the context of Budget 2010 for a level of 10,000 all ranks. 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 May 2010 was 9,809 comprising 7,996 Army, 795 Air Corps and 1,018 Naval Service personnel. Targeted recruitment will be carried out in 2010 in order to maintain the operational capability of the Defence Forces. In this regard I have recently approved the recruitment of 40 recruits to the Naval Service and the recruitment process is currently underway. In addition, the military authorities will shortly advertise for some limited recruitment to the Army.

The question of a cadet class for the Permanent Defence Force 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 on foot of the Government approval, in the context of Budget 2010, to maintain a complement of 10,000 all ranks Permanent Defence Force personnel. I will consider the matter in the context of the results of this review. 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.

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