Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which he remains optimistic that he may retain the strength of the Defence Forces at maximum level for the foreseeable future notwithstanding compliance with budgetary requirements, if this will apply to military equipment including vehicles or technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6129/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 31 December 2012, the latest date for which details are available, was 9,359. This is against the agreed stabilised strength for the Permanent Defence Force of 9,500. In this context it is my intention that targeted recruitment will continue within the resource envelope allocated to Defence. Targeted recruitment will ensure that into the future the Permanent Defence Force can continue to deliver all operational outputs required by Government in the domestic environment as well as for overseas peace support operations. The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, is also available for deployments in response to emergencies and crises. The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces remains a focus for me as Minister for Defence. Defence Forces personnel have the most modern and effective range of equipment, including logistical equipment, to carry out their day-to-day roles at home and overseas. However, it is imperative that the Department and the Defence Forces, similar to all other Government Departments, must take into account the current difficult economic environment we are now operating in. The budgetary situation will continue to dictate the level of funding available for new equipment, including vehicles, upgrades of equipment and different technologies. Decisions will be made accordingly on a strictly prioritised basis with a view to maintaining the capability of all roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces. Within the Resource envelope available for Defence, I am satisfied that the Defence Forces can continue to fulfil all roles assigned by Government.