Vol. 509 No. 4
60 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to recruit additional personnel to the Army ranger wing in view of the fact that a large percentage of the unit is currently serving with INTERFET; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20499/99]
Approximately 30 members of the Army ranger wing have been deployed to INTERFET. Participation by the Defence Forces will be for an initial period of four months with the possibility of a replacement contingent serving for a further period of four months to mid-June 2000. Among the factors taken into account when considering the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas are security considerations at home. I am satisfied that the number of Army ranger wing personnel who remain at home is adequate to meet the current requirements and that it will not be necessary to recruit additional personnel to the unit.
