asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the total strength of the Army (a) on 1st April, 1946; (b) on 1st January, 1947, and (c) at the present time, including the number of officers, other ranks, cadets, chaplains, nurses and Construction Corps.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Statistics.
As the reply is in the nature of statistical information, I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle and with the Deputy's consent, to have it published in the Official Report.
Following is the information:—
STRENGTH OF THE DEFENCE FORCES (INCLUDING CADETS, CHAPLAINS AND CONSTRUCTION CORPS PERSONNEL) AS ON THE DATES SHOWN BELOW
| Officers | Other Ranks | Cadets | Chaplains | Construction Corps | TOTALS | |
| Strength as on 1st April, 1946 | 2,131 | 10,839 | 44 | 26 | 1,286 | 14,326 |
| Strength as on 1st January, 1947. | 1,098 | 7,456 | 70 | 19 | 1,299 | 9,942 |
| Strength as on 1st March, 1947. | 1,095 | 7,567 | 70 | 18 | 1,188 | 9,938 |
STRENGTH OF ARMY NURSING SERVICE AS ON THE DATES SHOWN BELOW.
| Strength as on 1st April, 1946 | 173 |
| Strength as on 1st January, 1947 | 115 |
| Strength as on 1st March, 1947 | 113 |