Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 318: 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. [30760/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, 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.

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. To this end I recently approved the recruitment of 40 Recruits to the Naval Service and this 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.

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.