asked the Minister for Defence the total number of new recruits taken into the Army in 1985 to date and if he will make a statement on Army recruitment.

In the period 1 January to 31 October, 1985, 502 recruits were enlisted in the Permanent Defence Force. A further 610 recruits will be enlisted by the end of December.

Can the Minister indicate to the House the percentage increase in the number within the forces represented by the final total on 31 December over this time last year and whether he has any plans in 1986 to encourage further recruitment to our Defence Forces?

I do not have the exact figures but the numbers will be approximately 350 to 400 of an increase in the forces. At this stage I cannot say what will be the recruiting position next year; a lot depends on wastage.

As we are talking about the FCA——

Actually we are not.

Can the Minister say if there is any bias in favour of FCA members within the system who seek recruitment into the Army and who have served, say, a certain length in the FCA?

No, the recruiting procedure is done by way of interview board. Obviously one of the factors which would impress the board, though I cannot say for sure, would be satisfactory service in the FCA, showing an interest in a military career, demonstrating familiarity with the military way of life. I imagine that would tend to make a recruit attractive although it would not necessarily be a deciding factor. The information I have been receiving from recruiting officers is that the standard of recruit offering to join the Defence Forces has been extremely high.