asked the Minister for Defence the number of cadets to be recruited this year; the number recruited for the past two years; and the reason for the delay in announcing the recruitment of same.

(Limerick West): It is proposed to award up to 25 cadetships in the Permanent Defence Force in 1987. Forty-six cadets were recruited in 1986 and 34 in 1985. The announcement of the 1987 competition for the award of cadetships in the Permanent Defence Forces was delayed pending full examination of the position in the light of Government restrictions on recruitment to the public service and the overall budgetary situation.

Is the Minister aware of the considerable hardship that the delay in the announcement has caused to so many potential candidates for cadetships? It greatly upset many young people who had a desire to make cadetship in the Army their livelihood.

(Limerick West): No, I am not so aware. In fact, 1,098 applications were received and final interviews commenced on 19 October. It is expected that successful candidates will commence their military training in December 1987. I am not aware of what the Deputy has suggested.

As only 25 people have been recruited on this occasion, can the Minister explain the fairly dramatic decrease from 46? We are talking about small numbers and this is a very important part of the make-up of the Army. Can the Minister explain why only 25 people have been recruited on this occasion for such an important part of the Army?

(Limerick West): As the Deputy heard in the reply, 34 people were recruited in 1985. I had to make a decision, keeping in mind the budgetary constraints and, more importantly, the needs of the Army and the officer corps. Having examined the matter carefully, I am satisfied the number I am recruiting this year is adaquate to meet those needs.

It is not a good trend.

(Limerick West): It is a good trend because the figures vary from year to year and there is no definite pattern.