Barry Cowen
Ceist:534 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence the recruitment that has taken place for the Irish Army in 2011; and the future recruitment that is due to take place this year. [21291/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 1 May 2012
Ceisteanna (458)
Freagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Military Authorities that a total of 494 general service recruits were enlisted into the Permanent Defence Force in 2011. A further 29 recruits were inducted into the Permanent Defence Force up to 30 Jan 2012. In addition, there was an intake of 32 Cadets from the 2011 Cadetship competition. The Government has decided to accept my recommendation 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. As the Permanent Defence Force is currently below the agreed serving cadre there will be phased recruitment of General Service Recruits in 2012 within the resource envelope allocated to Defence. A recruitment competition was launched on Monday 2 April 2012, the closing date for which was 22 April 2012. Along with General Service recruitment a limited number of Instrumentalists will be enlisted in 2012. The 2012 Cadetship Competition was also advertised last week.