228 Mr. Bree asked the Minister for Defence the number of recruitment campaigns carried out by the Defence Forces in each of the years from 1988 to 1996; the number of personnel recruited; and the number of personnel recruited from County Sligo. [20253/96]

Recruitment campaigns for enlistment in the Permanent Defence Force took place in 1988, 1990 and 1994 as a result of which a total of 2,517 personnel were enlisted. The number with County Sligo addresses on enlistment was 13.

It is proposed to enlist 200 recruits this year by way of open competition which was advertised recently in the national press.

229 Mr. Bree asked the Minister for Defence the age limit being enforced by the Defence Forces in its current recruiting campaign. [20254/96]

Applicants for enlistment under the current recruitment campaign must be not less than 17 and under 22 years of age on 1 October 1996.