Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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52. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which recruitment to the Defence Forces is likely to adequately replenish the strength of each branch of the Defence Forces in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20719/18]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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53. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of women that have retired or resigned from the Defence Forces for whatever reason in each of the past five years to date; his plans for their replacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20720/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 53 together.

There are significant recruitment opportunities currently available in the Defence Forces, at both enlisted and officer level, for eligible individuals who wish to have a rewarding and positive career in service to the State.

In 2018, an intake of some 800 personnel across a range of recruitment streams is anticipated. To achieve this, targeted recruitment has been and is currently taking place.

A General Service Recruitment campaign and the 2018 Officer Cadetships competition closed last month and these applications are now being processed. An Air Corps Apprentice Competition launched on 3 March 2018 is open until 25th May. The Naval Service is currently recruiting Direct Entry Officers for Bridge Watch-keeping, Marine Engineering and Electrical Engineering roles. The Defence Forces are also accepting applications from qualified doctors for careers in the Medical Corps.

The following table shows the number of women that have retired or resigned from the Defence Forces for whatever reason in each of the past five years to date. The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. This is underlined by a commitment in the Programme for Government to increase the level of female participation in the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces have no restrictions with regard to the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties, and all promotions and career courses are open to both sexes on merit.

*Total number includes recruits, of which some 22% do not complete initial training.

** Latest data as of 08 MAY 2018.