I propose to take Questions Nos. 352 and 353 together.
In common with other areas of the public service a reduction of 3% in payroll costs has been applied to the Defence Forces. Recruitment was suspended in late 2008 pending consideration of the best means by which to achieve this reduction. My officials and the military authorities are keeping the situation under close review on an ongoing basis to ensure that the key commitments of the Defence Forces both at home and abroad are being met. The review and any subsequent recruitment in 2009 will prioritise the operational requirements of the Defence Forces.
I am advised that the freeze on recruitment will not have any immediate effect on the capacity of the Defence Forces to do their job abroad. However, that may change, although I cannot project too far into the future. I do not anticipate that the situation will have changed by this time next year.
The Defence Forces continued to serve on overseas missions throughout 2008. On average, there were 690 personnel involved in UN-led and UN mandated missions throughout last year. Troops on overseas missions serve a six or four month tour of duty. There are no plans to alter this rotation policy in the foreseeable future.