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Defence Forces Recruitment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2012

Tuesday, 14 February 2012

Questions (501, 502, 503)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

546 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence if there will be a competition this year to recruit cadets to the Army; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8192/12]

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Seán Kenny

Question:

547 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if recruitment to the Defence Forces will occur in 2012. [8211/12]

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Seán Kenny

Question:

552 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if there will be an Army cadetship recruitment this year; and if so, the date of same. [8233/12]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 546, 547 and 552 together.

The Government has decided to accept my recommendations that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force will be maintained at 9,500. I believe that this is the optimum level required to fulfil all roles assigned by Government.

I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 31 December, 2011, the latest date for which details are available, was 9,438 comprising 7,650 Army, 791 Air Corps and 997 Naval Service.

It is my intention that targeted recruitment will continue in 2012, within the resource envelope allocated to Defence, so as to maintain the Government approved strength of the Defence Forces. The Permanent Defence Force is not at present seeking applications for General Service Enlistment. If a decision is taken to hold a competition in 2012, details will be available on the Defence Forces website www.military.ie.

I would expect that the question of a cadet class in 2012 will be considered in the context of the re-organisation of the Defence Forces now necessary to meet the operational requirements of the Defence Forces within the new establishment of 9,500. It is too early to confirm if there will be a cadet class this year.

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