David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 554: To ask the Minister for Defence if it is his policy that all persons seeking recruitment for general service must on the day of the physical fitness test, produce a stamped and signed letter from their general practitioner stating that they are fit to undergo fitness test; the regulations if any under which this letter must be provided; if he has taken into account the cost of obtaining this letter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37903/10]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 555: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of applications for general service recruitment received in 2010; the number of applicants who were called to attend physical fitness tests; the number who subsequently presented for and undertook these tests and the subsequent number who passed these tests and were sent forward to the next stage of the competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37904/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 554 and 555 together.

Within the context of consolidating the public finances, the Government is firmly focused 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.

Targeted recruitment is being carried out in 2010 in order to maintain the operational capability of the Defence Forces. To this end I approved the recruitment of 40 Recruits to the Naval Service, limited recruitment to the Army and the intake of 30 Cadets from the Cadetship Competition 2010 which closed on the 28th July 2010. The day to day administration of recruitment to the Defence Forces is the responsibility of the Chief of Staff.

I have been informed, by the military authorities that a total of 6,631 applications were received for the current general service recruitment competition. This competition was advertised on 26th August 2010 with the closing date for receipt of applications being 20th September 2010.

The enlistment selection process to both the Eastern and Southern Brigades has commenced. The enlistment selection process to the Western Brigade and the Defence Forces Training Centre is scheduled to follow on when this enlistment has taken place.

The following are the statistics in relation to the current recruitment competition with details in respect of the Southern and Eastern Brigade where the selection process is under way:

The Military Authorities have advised that for many years it has been Defence Force Policy that all candidates for an Apprenticeship or a Cadetship Competition, must on the day of the physical fitness test, furnish a letter from their general practitioner stating that they are fit to undergo fitness testing. The Defence Forces has a duty of care to all candidates and they advise that such a letter is required to assist them to meet this duty of care to those who attempt the Physical Fitness Test of the selection process.

I am advised that prior to the Moratorium in 2009 applicants for General Service Recruitment did not enter into a formal competition but were placed on a list and called as required for interview, medical examination and physical fitness testing. As a result of the large number of applications received, and to avoid placing over six thousand applicants on a waiting list, the Military Authorities decided to administer the 2010 General Service Recruitment competition along similar lines as the Apprenticeship and Cadetship Competitions.

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.