595 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Defence the age limitations for recruitment into the Army under the current recruitment drive; and if he will grant exemptions from this age limit to active serving members of the FCA. [1423/97]

All categories of applicant for enlistment in the Permanent Defence Force under the recent recruitment campaign were required to be under 22 years of age on 1 October 1996. The reduced upper age limit, which was introduced in 1996, follows specifically on the recommendation of the efficiency audit group and their consultants who recently completed a review of the organisation and structure of the Defence Forces.

The very unsatisfactory age profile of the members was identified by the efficiency audit group as one of the serious problems facing the Defence Forces. If the problem were to remain unaddressed a situation would be reached where the operational effectiveness of the force could be seriously compromised. Therefore, in order to address the age problem it is necessary to recruit persons in the younger age-group.

596 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Defence the reason for the increase in expenditure in subhead J of Vote 36 in the 1997 Estimates for the Public Service. [1624/97]

The increase under subhead J of the Defence Estimate is required to meet the cost of expenditure arising under the EU Fishery Protection Programme, including a down-payment on an additional vessel for the Naval Service.

597 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Defence the reason for the increase in expenditure under subhead AA of Vote 36 in the 1997 Estimates for the Public Services. [1625/97]

The increase under subhead AA of the Defence Estimate is mainly required to meet the cost of loss of hearing claims by members and former members of the Defence Forces.