Jack Wall
Ceist:356 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence if there is a recruitment drive in the Army at the moment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39879/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 13 December 2011
Ceisteanna (346)
Freagraí scríofa
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 30 November, 2011, the latest date for which details are available, was 9,460 comprising 7,671 Army, 806 Air Corps and 983 Naval Service.
Targeted recruitment has continued in 2011 to maintain the appropriate level of Defence Forces personnel and capabilities. 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. There is currently an intake of recruits underway to the Curragh the majority of which were enlisted on 5 December.