Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 728: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of personnel in the Defence Forces and in his Department for the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011. [23618/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The following table outlines the number of personnel in the Department of Defence and the Permanent Defence Force broken down annually from 2008 to 2011.

The figures reflect the number of staff (full time equivalents) serving at the end of December each year and on 31 July 2011.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 729: To ask the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 306 of 10 May 2011, if he will revisit this matter in view of the fact that the information and ophthalmic prescription form had been submitted by the member at that time and, therefore, a decision could have been made under general routine order 43/1955; if the prescription dated 10 May 2011 will be acted upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23738/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Military Authorities that General Routine Orders are published for the general information and guidance of members of the Defence Forces and consequently are descriptive in nature rather than prescriptive. Accordingly, the details contained in Paragraph 65 of General Routine Order 43/1955 cannot be relied upon to confer an entitlement to spectacles. In relation to the individual in question I am advised that in line with Medical Council Ethical Guidelines the Directorate of the Medical Corps does not publicly disclose information relating to clinical examination results for reasons of confidentiality.