Vol. 516 No. 6
126 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence his preferred options for the future strength of the Army, the Naval Service and Air Corps; his views on whether they will be capable of meeting ongoing demands and obligations within the confines of these figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8778/00]
I would refer the Deputy to the White Paper on Defence which I published recently. As I indicated when I published this first ever White Paper on Defence, my main objective was to ensure that the State has available at all times flexible, well equipped and well trained Defence Forces, including an appropriate reserve, to meet the roles laid down by Government. I am totally committed to developing the Defence Forces into a world class military organisation and this White Paper sets out a comprehensive programme for such development for the next decade.
The total strength of the Permanent Defence Forces following the implementation of the White Paper will be 10,500, with up to an additional 250 personnel in training at any time. A detailed implementation plan to give effect to the White Paper will be drawn up by the Chief of Staff. I am quite satisfied that the Permanent Defence Forces will be fully capable of meeting their commitments and duties with this overall strength.
All the savings realised from the modest reduction in the strength of the PDF will be applied to the procurement of essential new equipment for the Force. Since launching the White Paper less than a month ago I have already announced a number of major investment initiatives, totalling over £100 million, that will provide for new aircraft, a new offshore patrol vessel and equipment for the Army. I have also instructed that arrangements be initiated immediately for the recruitment of 750 personnel into the Defence Forces. A recruitment campaign is due to commence early next month.
