asked the Minister for Defence the number of men at present serving in the Army; and the number which would be available for duties other than the manning of barracks, e.g. protection of ESB stations, if such extra duties became necessary for the protection of property or citizens.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Strength.
32.
The strength of the Army on 31st March, 1972 was 9,536 comprising 1,065 officers, 2,914 non-commissioned officers, 5,492 privates and 65 cadets.
At the request of An Garda Síochána, Army personnel are at present engaged in the protection of certain important installations, including a number belonging to the Electricity Supply Board. It would not be in the interests of security to disclose the number of Army personnel engaged in, or available for, such duties.
Even taking into account the serious nature of the information, would the Minister take the opportunity now of underlining how important it is to get further recruits for the Army at this stage so that we will have a sufficient force to quell any civil disturbance that might take place apart from the protection of essential installations such as ESB, water supply and things like that?
I can assure the Deputy that the recruiting campaign is proceeding very satisfactorily. Of course, in addition to the regular force we have the very valuable assistance of the FCA. Generally speaking, I am quite happy with the progress of the recruiting campaign and the build up of the armed forces.
How many have been recruited so far in this campaign?
The total number now is 9,546.
How many have been recruited?
We are getting about 500 a month, on average.
How many have been recruited in this campaign?
I have not go the exact figure.
How can the Minister be satisfied if he does not know how many he has got?
I am satisfied with the present strength of the force.
No, the Minister said he was satisfied with the recruitment, I understood.
Of course, I am.
Good. What is the recruitment the Minister is satisfied with?
That is a separate question.
I have indicated to the House on a number of occasions in the number of recruits coming in per month. Offhand I cannot remember the number now but it is perfectly satisfactory, I can assure the Deputy.
But we do not know what it is. I see.