Eight hundred new recruits have been enlisted in the Defence Forces since December and further personnel will be recruited as the need arises. It is intended that in the future recruitment will be on a more continuous basis rather than on the stop-go basis pursued by the previous Government. I was also guilty of pursuing this policy when I was in this manifestation in a previous Government. The upper age for recruitment has been reduced from 27 to 21 years. This measure, together with the ER scheme, will help to address the high age profile within the Defence Forces.
The strength required for the next Irish UNIFIL contingent is 620 personnel, of which 68 are officer appointments. All officer appointments have been filled for the next contingent which is due to depart later this month. The selection of volunteers from other ranks personnel, of which there are approximately 700, will be completed by the military authorities on 30 October, the date of activation of the contingent. The military authorities are satisfied that the full complement of contingent numbers will be met. The current strength of the Irish contingent serving with UNIFIL is 611, while the strength last April was 619. The reduction in strength is due to the tragic death of Sergeant Lynch, permanent reparations on compassionate grounds and for family, health and other reasons. I am not greatly worried about our ability to fulfil our requirements in regard to UNIFIL. Our record over the years has been distinguished and I believe our future record will be equally so.