I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 169 together.
The Governments plans for the future development of the Defence Forces are set out in detail in the White Paper on Defence, the implementation of which is well advanced, and in the Programme for Government published in June 2002. There are no plans to close any existing installations. The White Paper, as endorsed by the programme for Government, provides for a total permanent Defence Force strength of 10,500, plus the option of an extra 250 recruits in training. The 10,500 figure, which represents an overall reduction of 1,000 on the pre-White Paper strength position, is made up as follows: Army, 8,426; Naval Service, 1,144 and Air Corps, 930. As provided for in the White Paper, all payroll savings arising from the reduction in numbers have been reinvested in new equipment and better infrastructure for the Defence Forces.
Question No. 168 answered with Question No. 122.
Question No. 170 answered with Question No. 114.