Defence Forces Recruitment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019

Tuesday, 15 January 2019

Ceisteanna (128)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

128. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of recruitment plans for the Defence Forces for 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1029/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I recently met with senior civil and military officials to review recruitment plans for 2019. Subject to further consideration, it is envisaged that similar recruitment competitions to those held in 2018 will take place in 2019.

The Government remains committed to on-going recruitment to the Defence Forces to reach the establishment level of 9,500 personnel as set out in the White Paper on Defence 2015.