Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 301: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of posts within the Defence Forces which were filled in each of the past two years to date in 2011; the number still outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12246/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The number of personnel enlisted and appointed to the Permanent Defence Force in the past two years and to date in 2011 is as follows:

I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as of 30 April, 2011 was 9,658 comprising 7,864 Army, 790 Air Corps and 1,004 Naval Service as against the agreed Employment Control Framework for the Permanent Defence Force of 10,000 all ranks. With the support of the Chief of Staff, and within the available resources, I intend to retain the capacity of the Defence 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 both at home and overseas.