asked the Minister for Defence if the Government are satisfied that the decline in the Permanent Defence Forces can be offset by an increase in the reserve; and if he will give figures to support this.

The total strength of the Permanent Defence Force on 31 December 1980 was 13,764 which was an increase of 392 on the strength at 31 December 1979.

The total strength of the Reserve Defence Force also increased in 1980. Personnel of this force can be called on to assist the Permanent Defence Force should the need arise.

I am sorry that the Minister did not answer my question. Would he accept the view of the Minister for Finance that the increase in the Reserve Force more than offsets the decrease in the Permanent Defence Force? Would he accept that as the statement made by the Minister for Finance?

I am not aware of that statement. I was asked if I were satisfied that the decline in the Permanent Defence Force can be offset by the increase in the Reserve. As I told the Deputy, the Permanent Defence Force has increased by 392 in the most recent 12 months.

Would the Minister accept that the Permanent Defence Force has decreased by 8 per cent since the Minister's party took office in 1977? If the Minister wants a figure there has been a reduction of 1,200 personnel. Would he accept that there is a reduction of 8 per cent and that the increase in the number of the Reserve will not offset that because it is accepted that less than 45 per cent will turn up for FCA training?

The decrease since 1977 is 980, not 1,200, as a matter of interest.

There may have been figures made available lately.

There is an increase in the past 12 months of——

Ceist No. 17.

There is a decrease since 1977.

Would the Minister please answer Ceist No. 17?