Alan Shatter
Ceist:56 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Defence the number of new recruits in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps in 1999; and his recruitment plans for 2000. [26270/99]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Recruitment.
David Stanton
Ceist:115 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself with the recruitment rate into the Defence Forces; if he will give details in this regard; the plans, if any, he has to enhance the recruitment measures in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26489/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 115 together.
The 1999 general service enlistment recruitment campaign was advertised in February, with an original view to the enlistment of some 550 recruits to the Permanent Defence Force in 1999. Subsequently I authorised the intake of an additional 100 recruits in 1999. To date, some 527 recruits have already been enlisted, as follows:
|
Army |
410 |
|
Naval Service |
97 |
|
Air Corps |
20 |
The Government's policy of continuous ongoing recruitment is being maintained. I am satisfied with the level of recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force and I would envisage no difficulty in reaching the recruitment quota for 1999.
Proposals for general service recruitment in 2000 have been received from the military authorities and are currently being examined by my Department.