I propose to take Questions Nos. 41, 65, 94, 96 and 97 together.
Details of the strength of the Defence Forces at 31 December 2000, both male and female, and the number of personnel who have left the Defence Forces in the year 2000 is shown in tabular statements which I propose to circulate with the Official Report. The statistical information is the latest available from the military authorities.
The Government has now considered the final report from Price Waterhouse. It agrees in principle to the proposal that the State's future sea and air support requirements be discharged by the Naval Service and the Air Corps, on the basis of an appropriate mix of multitasking-multi-capabilities and dedicated services, and that Government decision-making on equipping and staffing of the Naval Service and the Air Corps should be made accordingly. The manpower levels of the Air Corps and Naval Service as provided for in the White Paper are in accordance with the report's recommendations.
The White Paper sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. It is my intention to maintain the established Government policy of continuous recruitment to fill vacancies as required. I am satisfied that a vigorous continuance of this policy will ensure the maintenance of proper strengths at agreed levels in the Permanent Defence Force. It is proposed to enlist about 800 personnel in the Permanent Defence Force from the 2001 recruitment campaign.
The annual cadetship competition was advertised recently and it is proposed to offer 68 cadetships in the current year of which 12 will be Air Corps cadetships, 42 Army and 12 Naval Service. Last January 15 personnel were enlisted as apprentices in the Air Corps. A competition is currently being held for 40 additional Air Corps apprenticeships.