asked the Minister for Defence the number of men he proposes to recruit this year in the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service; when they may expect to be called up; and the number of cadetships which will be awarded off current examination lists.

Recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force is a continuing process. As many men as possible, within the limits of the authorised establishments, will be recruited this year.

I expect that competitions for cadetships in the force will, as usual, be held this year over the summer months. The number of vacancies has not yet been settled.

"As many men as possible, within the limits of the authorised establishments"—what does the Minister mean by that?

What I mean is that at the moment the establishment figure is 14,749. The strength on 31/1/76 was 13,700—a net increase of 1,869 on the corresponding date the previous year. Before I go back to the Government for any further permissions the force would have to reach 14,749. So, I am in fact 1,049 in hand at 1/1/76.

The Minister will be recruiting 1,049?

No. I will be open to recruitment up to that figure and if I were to get more than that figure I would have to go back to the Government to have the establishment increased.

That would mean that the Minister would be looking for 1,000 recruits?

I hope for far more and in fact I would be going back to the Government for permission to have far more. I refuse to have Deputy Dowling very slyly shove in a suggestion that the Government are trying to stop recruits. We are not.

I am merely asking the Minister a question. Is it 1,000 men he is going to recruit or is he going to recruit ten men?

The number of men I have Government permission to recruit at this point in time on the establishment figures without reference to the Government is 14,749. The strength at 31/1/76 was 13,700. I need not go back to the Government until I am approaching 14,749. That is the position. There is no question of stopping recruiting.

Does that mean that the Minister will be recruiting at least 1,049 recruits this year?

I can say we are open to all recruits this year but hoping for the full 1,049 and more along with them.

Will the Minister be accepting 1,049 at least?

Yes.

That question has been asked a number of times.

That is the first time it was answered.

And last year there was an increase of 1,769 net on the previous year.

It takes some time to get information from the Minister.