asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the level of recruitment to the Defence Forces.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Forces Recruitment.
14.
While I am satisfied with the results of the recruiting campaign which began towards the end of 1973, I shall continue with the efforts to build up the Permanent Defence Force to full establishment strength.
What is the net gain in personnel over the last ten months approximately?
The total number of persons in the permanent Defence Forces on 31st December last was 11,602 and that is the highest strength for more than 25 years. It is difficult to get a net gain because we have the FCA, the permanent Defence Force and Slua Mhuirí.
I was only interested in the numbers in the permanent forces.
That figure of 11,602 is made up of 1,234 officers; 3,486 NCOs; 6,726 privates and 156 cadets.
Does that represent a big increase?
It does. It is an increase of approximately 1,000 over last year.
Can the Minister say if any Army officers in Collins Barracks, Cork, resigned recently as requested by the Minister?
That is a separate matter.
No, not that I know of.
Will the Minister say what target he is trying to achieve?
The establishment strength is between 14,500 and 15,000 and I have permission from the Government to go that far. At that point I would have to go back to the Government for permission.
Has provision been made in the Estimate for the Minister's Department for salaries to meet that number in the Army?
Provision has been made to meet the estimated increase but all we can do is estimate. We may succeed in doing better but we may do worse.
Has provision been made for 14,500?
No, provision has been made for the increased number we would hope to recruit.
How soon does the Minister expect to reach his target?
I do not know but I will do my best to do so.