Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1043: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans for a recruitment drive for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17631/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Government has decided to accept my recommendations that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force will be maintained at 9,500. I believe that this is the optimum level required to fulfil all roles assigned by Government. As the Defence Forces are currently over 500 below the agreed serving cadre, the phased recruitment of General Service Recruits will be undertaken in 2012, within the resource envelope allocated to Defence. I am advised by the Military Authorities that a new recruitment competition was launched on Monday 2 April 2012. Details of this competition are available on www.military.ie. The closing date for receipt of applications is 22 April 2012.

In addition, there will also be a Cadetship Competition in 2012. The planning for this entry level competition for officers is currently being finalised.