Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Feb 1992

Vol. 416 No. 1

Written Answers. - FCA Strength.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

63 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline, (a) the establishment strength of the FCA by officers, NCOs and men, (b) the permitted strength levels by command and corps by, officers, NCOs and men, (c) the vacancies against permitted strength levels by officers, NCOs and men, and by command and corps, (d) the vacancies against the establishment of strength by officers NCOs and men, and by command and corps and (e) the reason the 2nd Line Reserve cannot recruit to establishment strength; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Defence (Mr. Wilson)

I propose to circulate in the Official Report certain statistical information regarding establishment and strength levels. The remainder of the statistical information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

As part of the continuing programme for achieving reductions in the level of public expenditure, a restricted establishment, based on the then strength of the FCA, was introduced with effect from 31 December 1983. There are no proposals at this stage to alter that establishment.

Following is the statement:

	Officers	NCOs	Privates	Total
Establishment	1,033	5,076	16,001	22,110
Permitted Strength Level	743	3,028	12,490	16,261
Strength on 31 December 1991	729	2,773	11,791	15,293