Vol. 509 No. 4
91 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Defence Forces; the number of personnel who have retired or resigned on grounds other than age since 1 January 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20503/99]
The military authorities advise that the strength of the Defence Forces on 30 June 1999, the latest date for which figures have been compiled, was 11,139.
It has not been possible in the time available, to extract details from the available statistics of the number of personnel, in all ranks, who have resigned or retired from the Defence Forces other than on age grounds since 1 January, 1999. These figures are being compiled and I will write to the Deputy with this information as soon as possible. In line with the policy of continuous recruitment introduced by this Government, some 375 general service recruits have been enlisted so far this year and a further 85 general service recruits are expected to be enlisted over the next few weeks. Some 58 cadets and 32 apprentices have also been enlisted this year.
Furthermore, interviews in connection with a further planned intake of general service recruits this year are currently taking place.
93 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the proposals, if any, there are to allow members of the FCÁ to serve abroad in peacekeeping operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20449/99]
The Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan 1996-98 – which was approved by Government in March, 1996 – provides for a special study of the Reserve Defence Force, which consists of the first line reserve made up of former members of the Permanent Defence Force, An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil and An Slua Muirí, to be undertaken during the lifetime of the plan. Accordingly, in November 1997 I announced the setting up of a joint civilian/military steering group to carry out this examination. As part of the examination process, the Chief of Staff established a military board to conduct a study of the reserve. Part of the function of the steering group was to oversee and guide the military board in its task. The steering group recently completed its examination and submitted a draft report which I am currently in the process of examining. As indicated previously I plan to publish the steering group report in due course.
