Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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545. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of recruits that joined all branches of the Defence Forces in each of the years 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and the numbers of those that are still serving in the Defence Forces. [40338/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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As of 26 September, 2017, the information requested by the Deputy is set out in a table:

When assessing the number of personnel who are no longer in service, cognisance must be made of the fact that a significant number of recruits depart from the Defence Forces during the training phase.

The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with operational requirements. As there is significant turnover of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force targeted recruitment has been and is currently taking place so as to maintain the agreed strength levels. In 2017, the Defence Forces have been targeting an increase in the level of recruitment across the range of recruitment streams. The 2017 Cadet Competition was launched on 22 March 2017. A total of 99 Cadets were inducted on Monday, 25 September, 2017 (of which, just over 20% were female).

General Service recruitment campaigns for both the Army and Naval Service were launched earlier this year. The competitions have now progressed and general service recruitment has commenced from these campaigns. It is also planned to launch another general service recruitment campaign this week.

With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, the Government is committed to retaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.

Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent)
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546. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current waiting times to hear confirmation after the medical and interview section of the application to join the Army is completed; and when a person (details supplied) can expect to hear if they have been successful or not. [40396/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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There are a number of stages to the process for induction as a General Service Recruit to the Permanent Defence Force. It is not possible for the Defence Forces to provide certainty of the timeframe for this process, although every effort is made to reduce such timeframes. The Defence Forces has introduced initiatives to speed up the recruitment process.

Once individuals have been approved for recruitment they must then wait for a position on the next planned recruit platoon based on their expressed preferences at the time of application.

The individual named, remains a live candidate on the system and it is anticipated that the Defence Forces Recruitment and Competitions Section will be in contact with him to update him on his application.