Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 1

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Strength.

Michael Bell

Question:

116 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence the number of doctors, dentists and technical officers serving in the Permanent Defence Force, First Line Reserve, Slua Muirí and FCA on 30 June 1995, 30 June 1996 and to date in 1997; whether he has satisfied himself that there are adequate numbers of such professionals currently in the FCA and Slua Muirí in relation to vacancies in the 11th Field Engineers and Medical Companies, Headquarters Southern Command and Curragh Command, 3 Field Engineer Company, 1 Field Medical Company and 5 Medical Company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6430/97]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

The number of doctors, dentists and technical officers serving in the Permanent Defence Force, the First Line Reserve, An Slua Muirí and An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil on 30 June 1995, 30 June 1996 and at present is as follows:

		Permanent Defence Force	First Line Reserve of Officers	An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil	An Slua Muirí
30 June 1995	Doctors	33	4	7	Nil
	Dentists	6	1	2
	Technical	190	20	14
	Total	229	25	20
30 June 1996	Doctors	36	4	7	Nil
	Dentists	6	2	2
	Technical	188	20	14
	Total	230	26	20
4 March 1997	Doctors	36	4	7	Nil
	Dentists	6	2	2
	Technical	178	19	13
	Total	220	25	22

At present there are vacant technical officer appointments in the FCA units specified by the Deputy. However, were suitably qualified persons to apply to join An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil to fill these appointments their applications would have every consideration.